Although net sales increased just 2.2 percent for Japan’s Asahi Glass Co. for the first half of the year, the company reported operating profits of more than $760 million, up 37 percent compared to last year, according to an Aug. 6 Asahi Glass release.

Officials attribute the strong profits to a decrease in the cost of sales, and increased sales volume and cost down measures, according to the release.

Operating profits for the flat-glass segment reached $29 million, up from $17 million during the same period last year.

Geographically, Europe led sales across all segments, increasing 20 percent compared with last year. The sluggish housing market in the United States led to a 5 percent decline in sales in the Americas, according to the release.

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