Ontario-based developer, manufacturer and retailer of rubber-based products AirBoss of America Corp. has posted a decline in sales and income for the three-month period ended March 31.

Sales for the quarter decreased 2.4% while net income from continuing operations decreased from $1.8 million to $1.1 million. These decreases were primarily due to the anticipated temporary weakness in demand for rubber track products and rubber compounds servicing the energy generation sector.

However, the AirBoss-Defense division had a strong quarter as a result of increased shipments of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) footwear to military customers.

Despite a slow start to the year, the company is looking for solid year-on-year volume increases in both its Rubber Compounding and Defense businesses.