Pump manufacturer Gorman Rupp Co. posted $109.7 million in sales for the second quarter, a 3.1-percent increase compared to $106.4 million in the second quarter a year ago. Sales in the United States jumped 11.9 percent or $8.3 million, while international sales decreased 13.5 percent or $5 million. Sales in water end markets increased 1.1 percent and sales in non-water end markets increased 5.7 percent during the quarter.
The second quarter increase in water end market sales was largely the result of increased sales in the municipal market, driven by large volume pumps related to wastewater and flood control. The increase was partially offset by lower fire-protection sales of $3.2 million because of the timing of shipments and lower agricultural sales driven by wet weather conditions. Sales jumped $1.8 million in non-water markets primarily from increased shipments for the OEM market related to power generation equipment and pumps for residential appliances.
Net sales for the first six months of the year were a record $219.8 million, compared to $198.9 million during the same period in 2013, a 10.5-percent leap.
“We are encouraged by the increasing order activity we are seeing across most of the key markets we serve,” said Jeffrey Gorman, president and CEO. “This activity continued to increase this quarter and helped us achieve a strong start in 2014 with record first half year revenue and earnings. We also are pleased about the recent acquisition of Bayou City Pump Co. and the new niche market opportunities it should provide.”
