HNI Corporation has announced sales of $504.2 million, an increase of 10 percent, and income from continuing operations of $24.9 million, an increase of 59 percent, for the third quarter ending October 1, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

The office furniture and hearth manufacturer reported consolidated net sales for the first nine months of 2011 increased $112.6 million, or 9.2 percent, to $1.3 billion compared to $1.2 billion in 2010.

"We delivered strong results that exceeded our sales and profit expectations for the third quarter. All businesses increased sales and expanded operating margins. Top line growth in our office furniture segment was driven by a double-digit increase in our contract and international businesses. Despite low levels of small business confidence, we increased sales in our supplies-driven business," said Stan Askren, HNI Corporation Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.