Producer of specialty chemicals Rockwood Holdings, Inc. has published first quarter 2006 results. Net sales were up 5.6% to $812.6 million. Excluding the negative impact of foreign currency changes of 6.1%, net sales were up 11.7%.

Net income for the period was $40 million, including $10.5 million related to net non-recurring and other special items, compared with net income of $38.3 million in the first quarter last year. Prior year net income included income of $33.9 million related to net non-recurring and other special items.

Net sales increased 3.7% for specialty chemicals increased, 14.4% for performance additives, 3.5% for titanium dioxide pigments, 0.9% for advanced ceramics and 8.8% for specialty compounds.