JASPER, IN -- Kimball's EMS operations rebounded in the March quarter, with sales climbing 13% over last year, the company said today.

Net sales were $182.1 million for the contract assembler's fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2013, on higher demand in automotive, medical, industrial and public safety. Net income rose 97% to $6.5 million. Gross profit as a percent of net sales improved 1.4 percentage points.

Overall net income was $3.7 million, up 47% from a year ago, on net sales of $301.5 million, up 6%.

Chief executive and president James C. Thyen said, "We were very pleased with the performance in the EMS segment during the third quarter. Our key areas of focus in this segment are growth and further diversification of our customer base."