As demand climbs, Wabash National hires temporary workers to help build freights

Wabash National hires temporary workers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wabash National Corp. said Thursday that it hired 100 temporary workers — and plans to hire 90 more — to meet increasing demand for its semitrailers.

The company, which makes flatbed trailers, refrigerated vans and other heavy equipment, said that the strengthening economy is fueling the demand.

Executives said it was too early to tell whether the demand would continue.

“While it is too early to declare that recent demand will prove to be sustainable, we are nonetheless encouraged by the increased quote and order activity of late,” President and CEO Dick Giromini said in a statement. “We are hopeful that the addition of the new hires will be long-term.”

The company has about 2,800 workers, according to Thomson Reuters.

Wabash National shares climbed 53 cents, or 9.8 percent, to $5.94 in midday trading Friday. Earlier shares traded at a 52-week peak of $6.10.