Wabash refinances loans, gets more credit

Trailer maker Wabash National Corp. has restructured its line of credit and debts, extending the term of a $125-million and $192-million loan until 2004. Another $63-million line of credit has been extended to 2005, said Wabash, adding that it has gained a new, two-year $110-million receivables facility with GE Capital. Those developments give Lafayette, IN-based Wabash some breathing room as it tries to dig itself out of deep financial trouble. The company lost $232.2 million last year, with half of its loses, $134.9 million, occurring in the fourth quarter of 2001 alone. It also said sales of new trailers dropped by over 33%. Wabash said its losses last year were due to restructuring charges, layoffs, the sale of its international division and efforts to reduce used trailer inventories, along with the fallout from Sept. 11 and the recession. The company also took a charge in 2001 because it was not in compliance with rules of its line of credit.