MINNEAPOLIS -- Nortech Systems swung to a net profit of $147,000 for its second quarter ended June 30. The EMS firm took a net loss of $1.5 million in the year ago period.

The company had net sales of $24.7 million for the quarter, up 24% from 2009. Operating income was $485,000, compared with an operating loss of $2.2 million last year, when the contract printed circuit board manufacturer took one-time restructuring and impairment charges of $645,000.

“At the halfway point in our fiscal year, we’re continuing our positive momentum,” said Mike Degen, president and CEO. “Customers are displaying more confidence, evidenced by our increases in quoting activity, sales, backlog levels and new business.”

The 90-day backlog was $21.3 million on June 30, 2010, up 12% from the start of the quarter and over 50% from the second quarter 2009.