WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Arlon Electronic Materials' sales rose 30.9% in the second quarter as the printed circuit board industry continued to rebound from 2009.

Sales increased $4.3 million on higher telecommunications infrastructure demand in China. Operating income doubled to $2.2 million in the quarter.

The laminate maker's parent company, WHX Corp., reported second-quarter net income of $6.3 million up from a net loss of $4.1 million a year ago. For the period ended June 30, net sales were $180.9 million, up 31.8% quarter-over-quarter and 23.3% year-to-date.

Net income from continuing operations was $6.6 million, compared to a net loss of $3.3 million in 2009. Gross margins rose 210 basis points.

"The increase in demand we reported in the first quarter of 2010 continued in the second quarter," said Glen Kassan, vice chairman and chief executive. "The increased sales volume across most operating business segments was driven by the improvement in the worldwide economy."