Spartech Corp. announced record sales and earnings for the first quarter that ended Jan. 29.

Bradley B. Buechler, Spartech president and chief executive officer, reported first-quarter sales at $198.5 million, up 18 percent from the $167.8 million first quarter last year.

The company's net earnings of $11.2 million, or 39 cents for fully diluted shares, up from $9.2 million or 32 cents a diluted share reported in 1999.

Spartech makes thermoplastic materials and polymeric compounds, including extruded sheet and rollstock, specialty plastic alloys, compounds and color concentrates and molded profile products.

Spartech of St. Louis has two operations in Cape Girardeau Spartech Plastics at 2500 Spartech Drive and Spartech Compounding on Nash Road.