NORTH BILLERICA, MA – BTU International Inc. reported second-quarter net sales of $18 million, up 4.9% sequentially, and up 66.8% year-over-year.

Net income was $300,000, compared to a net loss of $300,000 in the first quarter, and compared to a net loss of $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2009.

Net sales for the first six months of 2010 were $35.2 million, up 70.1% compared to the first half of 2009.

Operating profit of $900,000 was driven by sequential improvements in product mix, strong factory utilization and cost performance in China, and greater than anticipated reductions of non-strategic operating expenses, according to Paul J. van der Wansem, BTU chairman and CEO.

“On June 30, we were pleased to announce the receipt of a breakthrough $16 million dollar order for next-generation inline diffusion equipment,” he said.

The firm expects third-quarter revenues to be essentially flat with the second quarter, with continued strength in the electronics business. Revenue of $4 million to $6 million is expected in the fourth quarter.

BTU supplies advanced thermal processing equipment to the alternative energy and electronics manufacturing markets.