MINNEAPOLIS -- EMS provider Nortech Systems today reported net sales rose 21% to $25.3 million for its third quarter ended Sept. 30. Net income rose 17% to $304,587 versus the third quarter 2005.

Year-to-date the company's net sales are up 28% to $77.5 million, and net income is up 76% to $498,210.

"This was an excellent quarter for us at the top line and in terms of profitability," said Mike Degen, president and CEO. "Our growth rate continues to exceed the industry average and we believe we are well-positioned for the remainder of 2006 and beyond."

The company is on pace to surpass $100 million in revenue this fiscal year, up more than 20% from 2005. The industry average is about 11%,  Degen said.

Three-month order backlogs rose 12% during the third quarter. In October the company secured an $8.5 million order for custom cable assemblies from a U.S. defense contractor, deliverable over the next 12 months.

Nortech raised its earnings for fiscal 2006 to 46 to 48 cents, compared with the 36 cents last year. The company expects revenues of $102 million to $104 million, an increase of 21 to 24% over last year.