Superior Industries International Inc. on Thursday reported a narrower-than-expected loss in its fourth quarter as the automotive parts supplier closed plants and cut jobs in response to the slower auto market.

The Van Nuys maker of aluminum wheels primarily for U.S. automakers reported a net loss of $20.1 million (75 cents a share), compared with net income of $4.7 million (18 cents) a year ago. Net sales fell 34 percent to nearly $152 million.

The quarter included $12.8 million of impairment costs related to plant closures and a $700,000 write-down of other property to reflect current market value. The adjusted loss was less than analysts’ expectations, according to Reuters Estimates, although revenues also fell short of the expected $162 million.

The company during the quarter closed a plant in Kansas, laying off 600 workers. Last month it announced it would be closing its original plant in Van Nuys, which is expected to result in 290 layoffs.

“The workforce reductions and plant closings were severe measures, but steps that we believe were necessary in order to right-size our capacity and position the company to operate more efficiently,” said Chief Executive Steven Borick in a statement.

Shares of the company were up 16 cents, or 2 percent, to $8.66 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.