Superior Industries International Inc. on Friday said it turned from a loss to a profit in the first quarter as the economy improved for its automotive industry customers.

The Van Nuys maker of aluminum wheels for cars and light trucks reported net income of $8.9 million (33 cents per share), compared with a net loss of $56.5 million (-$2.12) in the first quarter last year. Net sales jumped 84 percent to more than $150 million as shipments increased 68 percent.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters on average expected the company to report per-share earnings of 17 cents on net sales of more than $148 million.

Gross profit improved to $12.6 million compared to a loss of $14.5 million last year, when the company absorbed larger severance and other costs associated with plant closures and workforce reductions.

“While the year-over-year comparative results are encouraging, we continue to be diligent about controlling costs throughout the company,” Chief Executive Steven Borick said in a statement.

Shares were up $1.10 or nearly 7 percent to $17.35 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.