WINCHESTER, VA — American Woodmark Corp., manufacturer and distributor of kitchen cabinets and vanities, saw a net sales increase of 14% for fiscal year 2012, but recorded a net loss of $20 million — half of it due to the previously announced closure of two manufacturing plants and the realignment of its retirement program.

Fourth quarter sales for American Woodmark were up 10%  to $136.2 million, with gains in sales to new home construction businesses, which was up 30%, offsetting a slight decline in business for remodeling. For the year sales were $515.8 million.

In April 2012 American Woodmark closed its wood component facility in Hardy County, WV, and a lumber milling center in Hazard, KY. CEO Kent Guichard said that the plant closures would reduce excess capacity as a result of waning consumer activity.

American Woodmark currently has nine operating plants, supplying national home improvement stores Home Depot and Loew's, as well as cabinetry for new construction and remodeling.