AERT's first-quarter loss bigger than last year's.(Public Company Reports)(Financial report)

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc. said it lost $1.6 million in the first quarter, compared with a $1.4 million loss in the same period last year.

Sales for the first quarter were down 43 percent to $16.6 million from $29.4 million for the first quarter of 2008.

AERT blamed the January ice storm that disrupted manufacturing operations for several weeks for the sales decline.

"Our AERT associates have achieved significant cost reductions in the face of a severe ice storm which resulted in our area being declared a federal disaster area," said CEO Joe Brooks. "The storm caused significant disruption of our operations, several days without power, raw material supply interruption, logistical challenges, and safety concerns. AERT, however, has confidence in the ability of the American economy to recover and grow, and in our readiness to participate in that recovery while positively addressing the needs of our nation."

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