SiliconBeat

Aviza Technology boss Jerry Cutini said today he was “very pleased by our employees’ performance” during its fiscal 2009 first quarter, according to a statement included inthe company’s earning release. The company reported a $1.3 million net profit compared with an $8.5 million net loss in the year-before quarter. This despite a 26 percent year-over-year drop in sales.

Cutini said in a statement Tuesday that “the effects of our cost reduction and cost control programs were central in helping the company achieve profitability during the December quarter.” He failed to mention a $3.6 million change in the company’s favor “from currency exchange remeasurement gains” due primarily to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound.

Nevertheless, Cutini credited a 20 percent reduction in fees paid to its board member and salary for its senior management. “Just as important,” Cutini wrote, “our employees have helped us push our break-even point lower.  Many of our employees around the world have accepted a reduced compensation program, demonstrating their commitment to Aviza’s financial performance.”

Credit should also go to the estimated 100 employees, or 15 percent of its work force, who were laid off last year in a restructuring.

Last month, Aviza announced hiring of Needham & Co. to help it review is “strategic and financial options.”