Boosted by strong results in its coatings, optical and specialty products businesses, PPG Industries said third-quarter sales were a record $2.8 billion, up 13 percent from a year ago.

Net income for the quarter was $191 million, or $1.15 per share, up from $90 million, or 54 cents a share, in the third quarter of 2006.

Net earnings include $30 million in charges related to the sale of PPG's automotive glass and fine chemicals units. The company said adjusted net income was $228 million, or $1.37 per share, on target with analysts' projections.

"Achieving this strong financial performance despite a slowing North American economy is largely a result of the successful execution of our strategies over the past few years to rapidly grow the specialty businesses in our portfolio and expand our global presence," PPG Chairman Charles Bunch said.

Sales of the glass and fine chemicals businesses -- part of PPG's ongoing strategy to shed underperforming units and focus on coatings and specialty products -- are expected to be finalized by the end of the year. The company said last month it would sell its fine chemicals unit to Milan, Italy-based ZaCh System S.p.A. for about $65 million and sell its auto glass business to California-based private equity firm Platinum Equity for $500 million

Meantime, the company is pursuing a string of acquisitions in coatings, including the $3 billion purchase of Dutch paints maker SigmaKalon.

Coatings, optical and specialty products all hit record sales in the third quarter, Mr. Bunch said. Though he expects the North American economy to "soften further," he said PPG should maintain sales growth because of its expanding presence in Europe, Asia and elsewhere.

Besides charges for the pending sales of fine chemicals and automotive glass, third-quarter results included $4 million in costs for the acquisition of Barloworld Coatings Australia and $3 million related to an ongoing asbestos settlement case.

Shares in PPG closed at $75.37, down $2.33.