Afternoon Gainers
Trading slows down as the clock inches closer to "punch-out" time on Friday afternoons, but company shares continue to move, reflecting news and press releases posted throughout the week. The following companies closed up strong at the close of the market.Western Goldfields (OTCBB: WGDF) shares rose 25 cents, or 12 percent, closing at $2.30 this afternoon. Today the company announced that gold production at its Mesquite Mine is three months ahead of schedule. With this announcement, the company said the estimated average cost of sales increased from $335 per ounce to $350 per ounce for the first eight years of…