Italy-based leather-upholstered furniture maker Natuzzi S.p.A has reported a 13% increase in sales for the first quarter ended March 31. Total net sales increased to €188.2 million ($226.5 million) from €166.6 million ($218.4 million) in the first quarter of 2005. During the same period the total number of seats sold increased by 6.1%.

During the first three months of 2006, upholstery net sales were €167.4 million, ($201.4 million), up 14.3% from the €146.4 million ($192 million) reported for the comparable period last year. Other sales (principally living-room accessories and raw materials produced by the company and sold to third parties) increased by 3% €20.8 million ($25 million).

Net sales in the Americas were €63.8 million, an increase of 6.5%; European sales rose 21% to €92.9 million; and in the rest of the world net sales increased 9.2% to €10.7 million.

Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. designs and manufactures a wide collection of leather-upholstered residential furniture. Italy's largest furniture manufacturer, the company exports its products to 123 markets on five continents.