Ameron International Corporation reported net income rose to $9.7 million, or $1.07 per diluted share in the first quarter ended March 2, helped by its ready-mix concrete and gravel and rock business in Hawai'i.

The Pasadena, Calif.-based company said the results compared to net income of $8.5 million, or $.94 per diluted share, a year earlier. It said the profits were also helped by continued growth of its fiberglass-composite pipe group.

Sales totaled $149.8 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared with $120.4 million in 2007, an increase of 24 percent.