Sales and income rise at Congoleum on success of Xclusive and DuraCeramic lines

Congoleum Corp. said lower operating costs together with strong sales of its Xclusive and DuraCeramic residential lines helped drive gains in sales and income last year. While the company said it will be "challenged" this year by a shortage of raw materials, it assured investors that it would protect its margins.It also said 2005 was the year Congoleum expects to move past "the financial and management burden of our asbestos liabilities."