US manufacturer of polyester products Wellman, Inc. has reported sales of $301.3 million for the fourth quarter and record sales of $1.4 billion for the full year ended December 31, 2005.

Tom Duff, Wellman's chairman and CEO, stated, "Our overall financial performance improved in 2005 compared to 2004. While volumes in both of our businesses decreased as a result of hurricane Katrina, raw material margins improved from 2004 levels, resulting in higher operating income for these businesses for the year.”

Wellman manufactures and markets high-quality polyester products including PermaClear and EcoClear brand PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging resins and Fortrel brand polyester fibres.