EAGEN, MN - Cabinetry firm Norcraft Companies says sales rose 2.7 percent third quarter reaching $67.7 million. But net income fell by $1.7 million, moving Norcraft to a loss of $700,000.

"Difficult economic conditions have persisted through 2011, and we expect them to continue into 2012," said president and CEO, Mark Buller, in announcing the results.

Norcraft, whose brands include Mid Continent Cabinetry, Norcraft Cabinetry, UltraCraft, StarMark Cabinetry, Fieldstone Cabinetry and Brookwood, has had an extended rough period owing to the housing market.

In the second quarter, Norcraft  net income declined almost 60 percent, to $1.6 million, down from $3.9 a year before. The drop came despite a net sales increase of $0.9 million, or 1.3%, to $75.0 million