Northwest Pipe posts $1.4 million net loss in 2010

On March 22, Vancouver, Washington-based welded pipe manufacturer Northwest Pipe announced that for 2010 it posted a $1.4 million net loss compared to a net loss of $7.3 million for 2009, while its sales for the year ended December 31, 2010 were $386.8 million compared to $278.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Accordingly, Northwest Pipe's Water Transmission division saw its sales increase to $221.3 million in 2010 from $210.4 million in 2009, reflecting an increased sales volume partially offset by a decrease in selling prices, while its Tubular Products division saw its sales increase to $165.5 million in 2010 from $68.3 million in 2009, reflecting a significant increase in sales volume partially offset by a small decline in selling prices.
 
Northwest Pipe said that in 2011 it expects its Water Transmission sales to remain stable, while its Tubular Products sales are expected in 2011 to be significantly stronger than in 2010 primarily due to the additional capacity brought into production in Bossier City over the course of 2010.
 
As of December 31, 2010, Northwest Pipe's backlog of orders was $258 million compared to $222 million as of December 31, 2009.