For the first three quarters this year, sales were $713 million,alittle lower than $718 million recorded last year. Net earningsfor thefirst nine months of this year were $18.3 million, comparedto $15.2million posted in the first three quarters of lastyear.Last year, third quarter net earnings were impacted by aone-time gainreceived from the sale of a former United Kingdommetal buildingsubsidiary.

"Sales in the international metal buildings businesseswereapproximately 15% lower than the comparable nine month periodof1999, principally due to continued weak demand in the LatinAmericanregion," says John Holland, president and chief executiveofficer.

"Combined operating results for the international businessesweresolidly in the black, but below 1999 results, reflecting thereducedactivity in Latin America. The expansion of Butler'sShanghai, Chinamanufacturing facility was substantially completedduring the thirdquarter and start-up production begun. This $5million investmentcreates a fully integrated metal buildingsfacility with additionalcapacity for signifcant growth," hesays.