The Plan outlines the Company's proposal to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce debt and improve liquidity in order to emerge from bankruptcy as a financially stronger company.
As contemplated under the terms of the Plan, Libbey has received a term sheet from seven of its lenders to provide $150 million in exit financing, which net of lender fees and repayment of the Company's existing debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing will provide $75 million of incremental funding for the Company's exit from bankruptcy and go-forward operations.
Libbey also expects to replace its $100 million DIP revolving credit facility with a new exit facility with approximately $20 million initially drawn.
Overall, Libbey expects to emerge from the Chapter 11 process with less than $200 million of funded debt, compared to more than $400 million of debt that existed at the beginning of the court supervised process.
Additionally, as required under the terms of the Plan, Libbey filed motions with the Court to modify its collective bargaining agreements ("CBAs") and certain union related retiree benefits. If approved by the Court, the motions will modify the CBAs for Libbey employees represented by the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Under the terms of the Company's proposals to the unions, Libbey is seeking to modify wages, certain benefits including freezing future benefit accruals under its hourly defined benefit pension plan and certain work rules for its U.S. union employees.
In addition to these proposed modifications, the Company has also taken actions to reduce its salaried headcount and the wage and benefit costs relating to its salaried employees, as well as non salary related costs.
As part of optimizing its manufacturing capacity, Libbey has committed to its previously announced plan to close its manufacturing facility in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Company intends to cease production by the end of 2020, with full closure to be completed by the second half of 2022. Libbey continues to negotiate with the United Steelworkers representing the Company's employees regarding the effects of the facility closure. ■
A low pressure wave forming along a cold front will track across the New England coast this morning, bringing a period of rain, heavy at times for much of New England, especially for Maine today.