<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.40


                       AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                              STANDARD FEDERAL BANK

                                       AND

               MCCLAIN INDUSTRIES, INC., MCCLAIN E-Z PACK INC., MCCLAIN
               GALION, INC., SHELBY STEEL PROCESSING COMPANY, MCCLAIN TUBE
               COMPANY D/B/A QUALITY TUBE, MCCLAIN INTERNATIONAL FSC, AND
               MCCLAIN SOUTHLAND CO.

         THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LOAN AGREEMENT is made and delivered
this 9 day of July, 1999, by and among McClain Industries, Inc., a
Michigan corporation; McClain E-Z Pack Inc., a Michigan corporation; McClain
Galion, Inc., a Michigan corporation; Shelby Steel Processing Company, a
Michigan corporation; McClain Tube Company d/b/a Quality Tube, a Michigan
corporation; McClain International FSC, a U.S. Virgin Islands corporation; and
McClain Southland Co., a Florida corporation (collectively, "Borrowers"), whose
address/principal office is 6200 Elmridge, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48310, and
Standard Federal Bank, a federal savings bank ("Standard Federal"), whose
address is 2600 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084.

         RECITALS:

     A. The Borrowers are the resulting corporations following the merger and
consolidation of the Borrowers and McClain of Alabama, Inc., a Michigan
corporation; McClain of Georgia, Inc., a Georgia corporation; McClain of Ohio,
Inc., a Michigan corporation; McClain of Oklahoma, Inc., a Michigan corporation;
McClain Epco, Inc., a New York corporation; Galion Holding Company, a Michigan
corporation; Galion Dump Bodies, Inc., a Michigan corporation; McClain Group
Sales, Inc., a Michigan corporation; and McClain Group Sales of Florida, Inc., a
Florida corporation, McClain of Michigan, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

     B. The Borrowers entered into a Loan Agreement, dated April 16, 1998, as
amended March 8, 1999 and May 14, 1999 and July 9,1999, with Standard Federal
(the "1998 Loan Agreement"), pursuant to which Standard Federal has made
available to the Borrowers the following credit facilities: a Line of Credit,
Loan No. 5200026569, in the principal amount of $25,000,000.00, as evidenced by
a Promissory Note (Line of Credit), dated April 16, 1998, as amended March 8,
1999 and May 14, 1999; a Swing Line of Credit, Loan No. 5200054388, in the
principal amount of $5,000,000.00, as evidenced by a Promissory Note (Swing Line
of Credit); a Term Loan, Loan No. 5200026577, in the original principal amount
of $15,000,000.00, as evidenced by a Promissory Note (Term Loan), dated April
16, 1998; and a Line of Credit Converting to Term Loan, Loan No. 5200026593, in
the original principal amount of $1,500,000.00, as evidenced by a Promissory
Note (Line of Credit Converting to Term Loan), dated April 16, 1998.

     C. The credit facilities provided for in the Loan Agreement are secured by
a Security Agreement, dated September 15, 1994, and by a Security Agreement,
dated July 19, 1995 (the "McClain Security Agreements"), and by a Security
Agreement, dated September 15, 1994, and by a Security Agreement, dated June 22,
1995 (the "Galion Security Agreements"), and by a Commercial Mortgage, dated
September 26, 1988, covering property located in River Rouge, Michigan, as
amended April 16, 1998 (the "River Rouge Mortgage"), and by a Real Estate
Mortgage with Power of Sale, dated October 13, 1988, covering property located
in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, as amended April 16, 1998 (the "Oklahoma
Mortgage"), and by a Commercial Mortgage, Assignment of Lease and Rents,
Security Agreement and Financing Statement, dated

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February 6, 1995, covering property located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, as
amended April 16, 1998 (the "Sterling Heights Mortgage"), and by a Commercial
Mortgage, Assignment of Lease and Rents, Security Agreement and Financing
Statement, dated February 6, 1995, covering property located in Comstock
Township, Michigan, as amended April 16, 1998 (the "Comstock Township
Mortgage"), and by an Open-End Commercial Mortgage and Assignment of Lease and
Rents, dated June 29, 1993, as amended, covering property located in Winesburg,
Ohio, as amended April 16, 1998 (the "Winesburg Mortgage"), and by an Open-End
Commercial Mortgage and Assignment of Lease and Rents, dated June 29, 1993, as
amended, covering property located in Galion, Ohio, as amended April 16, 1998
(the "Galion Mortgage").

     D. The Borrowers have requested that the credit facilities described above
be modified and restructured into the new credit facilities described in this
Loan Agreement, and Standard Federal is willing to supply such financing subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in this Loan Agreement. Therefore, the
1998 Loan Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

     NOW, THEREFORE, in reliance upon the representations herein provided and in
consideration of the premises and the mutual promises herein contained, the
Borrowers and Standard Federal hereby agree as follows:


         SECTION 1.                 DEFINITIONS

         1.1 The following additional terms shall have the meanings stated below
when used in this Loan Agreement:

         "Advance Date" shall mean September 1, 1999.

         "Base LIBOR Rate" shall mean, with respect to a LIBOR Borrowing for an
Interest Period, LIBOR as of 11:00 a.m. two (2) London Business Days prior to
the first day of such Interest Period for deposits with maturities approximately
equal to such Interest Period and in an amount approximately equal to the amount
of such LIBOR Borrowing.

         "Borrowing" shall mean an advance of all or any portion of the Line of
Credit, the Swing Line of Credit or the Equipment Line of Credit and any
principal amount outstanding under the Term Loan and the Equipment Line of
Credit.

         "Borrowing Notice" shall mean a notice by Borrowers to Standard Federal
that Borrowers wish to make a Borrowing.

         "Business Day" shall mean a day on which the main office of Standard
Federal is open for business.

         "Collateral Reserve" shall mean, initially an amount equal to One
Million Four Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($1,400,000.00). The Collateral
Reserve shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of all payments made
after the date of this Loan Agreement to purchase, redeem or apply to principal
on certain Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (the "Bonds") issued in the
original amount of $5,225,000.00 by The Industrial Development Board of the City
of Demopolis, Alabama (the "Issuer") pursuant to a Trust Indenture dated as of
April 1, 1997 between LaSalle National Bank, as Trustee, and the Issuer, with
respect to which Standard Federal has issued an irrevocable letter of credit in
favor of the Trustee to secure payment of the principal and purchase price of,
and interest on, the Bonds.

         "Consolidated Funded Debt" shall mean, as of any date, the sum of the
following (without duplication): (i) all Indebtedness of the Borrowers as of
such date, other than Consolidated Current Liabilities, (ii) all

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Indebtedness which would be classified as "funded indebtedness" or "long-term
indebtedness" on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrowers prepared as of
such date in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (iii) all
Indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, of Borrowers, having a final
maturity (or which is renewable or extendable at the option of the obligor for a
period ending) more than one year after the date of creation thereof,
notwithstanding the fact that payments in respect thereof (whether installment,
serial maturity or sinking fund payments, or otherwise) are required to be made
by the obligor less than one year after the date of the creation thereof and
notwithstanding the fact that any amount thereof is at the time included also in
current liabilities of such obligor, (iv) all Indebtedness of the Borrowers
outstanding under a revolving credit or similar agreement providing for
borrowings (and renewals and extensions thereof) over a period of more than one
year, notwithstanding the fact that any such Indebtedness is created within one
year of the expiration of such agreement, (v) the present value (discounted at
the implicit rate, if known, or 10% per annum otherwise) of all obligations is
respect of Capital Leases of the Borrowers and (vi) all obligations under
Guaranties of Borrowers. "Indebtedness" shall mean all indebtedness, obligations
and liabilities, including, without limitation, all "liabilities" which would be
reflected on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, all obligations in respect of any Guaranty and all
obligations in respect of any Capital Lease. "Consolidated Current Liabilities"
shall mean, as of any date, the current liabilities which would be reflected on
a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrowers prepared as of such date in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, but excluding current
maturities of Consolidated Funded Debt. "Capital Lease" shall mean, as of any
date, any lease of property, real or personal, which would be capitalized on a
balance sheet of the lessee prepared as of such date in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, together with any other lease by such
lessee which is in substance a financing lease, including without limitation,
any lease under which (i) such lessee has or will have an option to purchase the
property subject thereto at a nominal amount or an amount less than a reasonable
estimate of the fair market value of such property as of the date such lease is
entered into or (ii) the term of the lease approximates or exceeds the expected
useful life of the property leased thereunder. "Guaranty" shall mean any
contract, agreement or understanding pursuant to which any Indebtedness of
another person or entity is guaranteed or in effect guaranteed in any manner,
whether directly or indirectly.

     "Earnings Before Interest and Taxes Plus Depreciation and Amortization"
shall mean the Borrowers' net income, computed in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles as in effect as of the date hereof consistently
applied, before provision for federal and state income taxes, plus interest,
depreciation and amortization expense, as reflected in the financial statements
to be furnished as required herein.

     "Effective Date" shall mean the date designated by Borrowers in a Borrowing
Notice as the date the Borrowing covered by such Borrowing Notice shall be
funded and shall also mean, where applicable, the first day of the Interest
Period applicable to a LIBOR Borrowing. An Effective Date for a Prime Rate
Borrowing must be a Business Day. An Effective Date for a LIBOR Borrowing must
be a London Business Day.

     "Eligible Accounts Receivable" shall mean accounts receivable of the
Borrower, net of any credit or allowance given to the account debtor, any contra
offset arising from a liability of the Borrower to the account debtor and any
accounts payable of the Borrower that may reduce the amount of accounts
receivable which could be realized upon by the Borrower or Standard Federal, as
such accounts receivable are disclosed in the statements timely furnished to
Standard Federal as required herein, that:

     (a)      arise out of the sale by the Borrower of finished  goods
              inventory  and/or the  rendition by the Borrower of services,
     (b)      are the valid, binding and legally enforceable obligations of
              the account debtors obligated

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              thereon and each such account debtor is not (i) a debtor under
              any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code or any other comparable
              bankruptcy or insolvency law applicable under the law of any
              other country or political subdivision thereof, or (ii) an
              assignor for the benefit of creditors,
     (c)      are not evidenced by a promissory note or other instrument or
              by chattel paper, unless the same has been endorsed and
              delivered to Standard Federal,
     (d)      are subject to a perfected security interest in favor of
              Standard Federal, and are free and clear of any other security
              interests or liens other than liens which have been approved
              in writing by Standard Federal,
     (e)      are not owed by account debtors which Standard Federal has
              notified the Borrower do not have a satisfactory credit
              standing (as determined in the reasonable judgment of Standard
              Federal),
     (f)      are not evidenced by invoices or other writings which Standard
              Federal has notified the Borrower are in form or substance not
              satisfactory to Standard Federal (as determined in the
              reasonable judgment of Standard Federal),
     (g)      are not doubtful as to collectibility or disputed as to existence
              or amount, and
     (h)      are not Ineligible Accounts.

     "Ineligible Accounts" means accounts receivable which:

     (1)      are unpaid more than 90 days after the invoice date,
     (2)      are inter-company or owing from any affiliated or related company
              or other entity,
     (3)      are owing from an account debtor located outside the United States
              of America, unless the account debtor is located in Puerto Rico or
              any Canadian province other than Quebec and United States law
              governs the contract,
     (4)      are owing from an account debtor who is obligated on accounts
              receivable owed to the Borrower more than twenty-five percent
              (25.0%) of the aggregate unpaid balance of which have been
              past due for longer than the relevant period specified in
              clause (1) above, unless Standard Federal has approved the
              continued eligibility thereof,
     (5)      arise under a government contract, the assignment of which is
              subject to the Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended,
              or any other similar federal or state statute or regulation
              governing the assignment of contracts with a governmental
              agency, unless a properly completed assignment of claims which
              complies with the applicable statute is on file with Standard
              Federal,
     (6)      are subject to extended sales terms which give the account debtor
              a right to delay payment,
     (7)      constitute a retainage portion of an account receivable which will
              not be payable until performance is completed and accepted by the
              account debtor,
     (8)      constitute a progress billing where the obligation of the
              account debtor is contingent upon further performance or
              delivery by the Borrower,
     (9)      arise from projects where performance is guaranteed by a surety by
              the issuance of a bond,
     (10)     arise from tooling invoices, unless supported by a signed purchase
              order and, for completed tooling, signed proof of performance,
     (11)     arise from consignment or guaranteed sales,
     (12)     are generated in advance of the work being performed, services
              being provided or goods being delivered, such as a bill and
              hold,
     (13)     for which an invoice has not been generated,
     (14)     constitute interest, finance charges or service charges assessed
              on unpaid accounts receivable,

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<PAGE>   5

     (15)     are otherwise unacceptable to StandarD Federal.

     "Equipment Credit Limit" shall mean the principal amount of One Million
Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($1,500,000.00).

     "Equipment Line of Credit" shall mean the revolving line of credit
converting to a term loan made available by Standard Federal to the Borrowers on
the terms and conditions contained in this Loan Agreement.

     "Equipment Line of Credit Note" shall mean the Promissory Note (Line of
Credit Converting to Term Loan)(Equipment Line of Credit) of even date herewith
and all renewals and amendments thereof, evidencing the Equipment Line of
Credit.

     "Funded Debt Ratio" shall mean the ratio of the Borrowers' Consolidated
Funded Debt to Earnings Before Interest and Taxes Plus Depreciation and
Amortization as of the end of each quarter of each fiscal year of the Borrowers,
rounded to two decimal places.

     "Interest Period" shall mean, with respect to a LIBOR Borrowing, a period
of one (1) month, two (2) months or three (3) months, commencing on the
Effective Date with respect to such LIBOR Borrowing. If any Interest Period
would otherwise end on a day which is not a London Business Day, such Interest
Period shall be extended to end on the next succeeding London Business Day.

     "Interest Rate Selection Notice" shall mean a notice in the form attached
to this Loan Agreement as Exhibit A, by which the Borrowers shall notify
Standard Federal that a Borrowing hereunder shall be a LIBOR Borrowing,
specifying the Interest Period and Effective Date applicable to such LIBOR
Borrowing and the principal amount of the LIBOR Borrowing.

     "LIBOR" shall mean, with respect to an Interest Period, the British
Bankers' Association ("BBA") interest settlement rate based on an average of
rates quoted by BBA designated banks as being, in BBA's view, the offered rate
at which deposits in U.S. Dollars are being quoted to prime banks in the London
interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) London Business Days prior
to the first day of such Interest Period, such deposits being for a period of
time equal or comparable to such Interest Period and in an amount equal or
comparable to the principal amount of the Borrowing to which the Interest Period
relates, as such rates are determined by the BBA and displayed on the Reuter's
Screen.

     "LIBOR Borrowing" shall mean a Line LIBOR Borrowing or a Term LIBOR
Borrowing.

     "LIBOR Borrowing Fail" shall mean a LIBOR Borrowing which is not made on
the date specified in a Borrowing Notice for any reason other than default by
Standard Federal in funding the Borrowing.

     "LIBOR Rate" shall mean, with respect to an Interest Period, the quotient
of: (i) the Base LIBOR Rate applicable to that Interest Period, divided by (ii)
one (1) minus the Reserve Requirement (expressed as a decimal) applicable to the
Interest Period. The LIBOR Rate shall be rounded up to 4 decimal places where
the fifth decimal place is 5 or more.

     "Line LIBOR Borrowing" shall mean the principal amount of any portion of
any Borrowing bearing interest at the Line of Credit LIBOR Rate.


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<PAGE>   6

     "Line of Credit" shall mean the revolving line of credit made available by
Standard Federal to the Borrowers on the terms and conditions contained in this
Loan Agreement.

     "Line of Credit Cap" shall mean, initially, Thirty Five Million and 00/100
Dollars ($35,000,000.00). The Line of Credit Cap shall reduce by $833,333.33 on
the first day of each month, beginning August 1, 1999 and continuing through
July 1, 2000, after which date the Line of Credit Cap shall be Twenty Five
Million and 00/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00).

     "Line of Credit LIBOR Rate" shall mean, with respect to a Line LIBOR
Borrowing and an Interest Period, a rate per annum determined in accordance with
the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Funded Debt Ratio                        Line of Credit LIBOR Rate
       -----------------                        -------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
  4.25 to 1.00 or greater                  Add 2.15 (215 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
  3.50 to 1.00 up to 4.24 to 1.00          Add 2.00 (200 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
  3.00 to 1.00 up to 3.49 to 1.00          Add 1.75 (175 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
  2.99 to 1.00 or less                     Add 1.50 (150 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
</TABLE>


     "Line of Credit Limit" shall mean: (A) the lesser of: (a) the Line of
Credit Cap, or (b) an amount equal to the sum of: (i) an amount equal to 80% of
Eligible Accounts Receivable, less: (1) a Six Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollar
($600,000.00) static reserve, and (2) the Collateral Reserve, plus (ii) an
amount equal to the lesser of: (1) Fifteen Million and 00/100 Dollars
($15,000,000.00), or (2) an amount equal to 50% of Qualified Inventory,
exclusive of Truck Chassis Inventory, plus (iii) an amount equal to the lesser
of: (1) the Truck Chassis Inventory Cap, or (2) an amount equal to 50% of Truck
Chassis Inventory, minus (B) principal amounts outstanding under the Swing Line
of Credit.

     "Line of Credit Maturity Date" shall mean May 1, 2001, or any extension or
renewal thereof.

     "Line of Credit Note" shall mean the Promissory Note of even date herewith
and all renewals and amendments thereof, evidencing the Line of Credit.

     "Loan Documents" shall mean this Loan Agreement, the Line of Credit Note,
the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note,
the McClain Security Agreements, the Galion Security Agreements, the River Rouge
Mortgage, the Oklahoma Mortgage, the Sterling Heights Mortgage, the Comstock
Township Mortgage, the Winesburg Mortgage, the Galion Mortgage, and amendments
thereto, and such other loan documents as Standard Federal shall require to
evidence, secure and document the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the
Term Loan and the Equipment Line of Credit.

     "London Business Day" shall mean a Business Day on which dealings in dollar
deposits are carried out in the London Interbank market and on which banks,
generally, in New York, New York are open for business.

     "Prepayment Premium" shall mean a premium payable in connection with a
Principal Prepayment or a LIBOR Borrowing Fail. In the case of a Principal
Prepayment, the Prepayment Premium shall be an amount equal to the positive
difference, if any, between (i) the aggregate amount of interest which would
otherwise be payable on the prepaid principal amount during the Prepayment
Interest Period, as herein defined, and (ii) the aggregate amount of interest
Standard Federal would earn if the prepaid principal amount were reinvested for


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<PAGE>   7

the Prepayment Interest Period at the Treasury Rate. In the case of a LIBOR
Borrowing Fail, the Prepayment Premium shall be an amount equal to the positive
difference, if any, between (i) the aggregate amount of interest which would
otherwise be payable on the principal amount of the LIBOR Borrowing during the
Prepayment Interest Period, and (ii) the aggregate amount of interest Standard
Federal would earn if the principal amount of the LIBOR Borrowing were
reinvested for the Prepayment Interest Period at the Treasury Rate. In the case
of a Principal Prepayment, the term "Prepayment Interest Period" shall mean the
period from the prepayment date to the last day of the current Interest Period
applicable to the prepaid Borrowing. In the case of a LIBOR Borrowing Fail, the
term "Prepayment Interest Period" shall mean the period from the Effective Date
specified in the Borrowing Notice applicable to the LIBOR Borrowing to the last
day of the Interest Period specified in such Borrowing Notice. The term
"Treasury Rate" means the yield on U.S. Treasury securities at constant maturity
as interpolated by the U.S. Treasury from the daily yield curve, based on the
closing market bid yields on actively-traded U.S. Treasury securities in the
over-the-counter market, as such yields are stated under the heading referred to
as "U.S. Government Securities, Treasury Constant Maturities" in Document
H.15(519), presently published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and titled "Federal Reserve Statistical Release." The Treasury Rate used
to calculate a Prepayment Premium shall be the constant maturity yield value
read from the yield curve at the fixed maturity which is the same as, or is the
next closest period which is longer than the Prepayment Interest Period. If the
publishing of the Treasury Rate is discontinued during the term of the Line of
Credit, then the Treasury Rate shall be based upon the index which is published
by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in replacement thereof
or, if no such replacement index is published, the index which, in Standard
Federal's sole determination most nearly corresponds to the Treasury Rate. The
Treasury Rate used to calculate a Prepayment Premium shall be computed utilizing
the Treasury Rate for the day which is two Business Days prior to the due date
of the Prepayment Premium.

     "Prime-Based Rate" shall mean a rate per annum equal to the Wall Street
Journal Prime Rate, which rate shall increase or decrease automatically when and
to the extent that the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate shall be increased or
decreased.

     "Prime Rate Borrowing" shall mean the principal amount of any portion of
any Borrowing bearing interest at the Prime-Based Rate.

     "Principal Prepayment" shall mean a payment of principal with respect to a
LIBOR Borrowing on a day which is not the last day of an Interest Period
applicable to such LIBOR Borrowing.

     "Qualified Inventory" shall mean the inventory of the Borrower, as such
inventory is disclosed in the statements timely furnished to Standard Federal as
required herein, that:

     (a)      is subject to a perfected security interest in favor Standard
              Federal, and is free and clear of any other security interests
              or liens other than liens which have been approved in writing
              by Standard Federal,
     (b)      is not so identified to a contract to sell that it constitutes
              an account,
     (c)      is of good and merchantable quality free from any defects
              which might adversely affect the market value thereof,
     (d)      was not in any material respect produced in violation of the
              Fair Labor Standards Act and subject to the so-called "hot
              goods" provision contained in Title 29 U.S.C. ss. 2159(a)(1),
     (e)      is located at any of the locations of inventory identified in
              the McClain Security Agreements or the Galion Security
              Agreements (other than any such location which is not owned by
              the

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<PAGE>   8

              Borrower and as to which Borrower has not obtained a
              bailee letter in form and substance satisfactory to Standard
              Federal),
     (f)      is not Ineligible Inventory.

     "Ineligible Inventory" means inventory which:

     (1)      consists of work-in-process,
     (2)      has been acquired by the Borrower on consignment or has been
              placed out on consignment by the Borrower, unless such
              inventory is subject to a first priority perfected security
              interest in favor of Standard Federal,
     (3)      is in transit so is not physically located at any of the
              locations of inventory identified in the Security Agreement
              hereinafter referenced,
     (4)      is located outside of the United States,
     (5)      is otherwise unacceptable to Standard Federal, including,
              without limitation, packaging, boxes, labels, racks, returned
              items (defects, overshipments, trials, warranty work),
              perishable products, custom made items, seasonal items that
              are out of season, obsolete items, inventory which has been
              sent to premises not owned by the Borrower for machining,
              plating, painting or processing, miscellaneous supplies, scrap
              materials, semi-processed items, subassemblies.

     "Rate Conversion Date" shall mean the date on which a Prime Rate
Borrowing shall convert to a LIBOR Borrowing.

     "Regulation D" shall mean Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System from time to time in effect and shall include any
successor or other regulation or official interpretation of the Board of
Governors relating to reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the
Federal Reserve System.

     "Reserve Requirement" shall mean, with respect to an Interest Period, the
daily average during such Interest Period of the aggregate reserve requirement
(including all basic, supplemental, marginal and other reserves and taking into
account any transitional adjustments or other scheduled changes in reserve
requirements during such Interest Period) which may be imposed on Standard
Federal under Regulation D on Eurocurrency liabilities, in the case of LIBOR
Borrowings.

     "Reuter's Screen" means the display designated as page "LIBO" on the Reuter
Monitor System or such other display on the Reuter Monitor System as shall
display LIBOR.

     "Revolving Credit Period" means the period from the date of this Loan
Agreement through the Line of Credit Maturity Date.

     "Swing Line of Credit" shall mean the revolving swing line of credit made
available by Standard Federal to the Borrowers on the terms and conditions
contained in this Loan Agreement.

     "Swing Line of Credit Limit" shall mean the lesser of: (a) Five Million and
00/100 Dollars ($5,000,000.00), or (b) an amount equal to: (A) the sum of: (i)
an amount equal to 80% of Eligible Accounts Receivable, less: (1) a Six Hundred
Thousand and 00/100 Dollar ($600,000.00) static reserve, and (2) the Collateral
Reserve, plus (ii) an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) Fifteen Million and
00/100 Dollars


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<PAGE>   9

($15,000,000.00), or (2) an amount equal to 50% of Qualified Inventory,
exclusive of Truck Chassis Inventory, plus (iii) an amount equal to the lesser
of: (1) the Truck Chassis Inventory Cap, or (2) an amount equal to 50% of Truck
Chassis Inventory, minus (B) principal amounts outstanding under the Line of
Credit; provided, however, that in no event shall the total of principal amounts
outstanding under the Line of Credit and principal amounts outstanding under the
Swing Line of Credit exceed the Line of Credit Cap.

     "Swing Line of Credit Maturity Date" shall mean May 1, 2001, or any
extension or renewal thereof.

     "Swing Line of Credit Note" shall mean the Promissory Note of even date
herewith and all renewals and amendments thereof, evidencing the Swing Line of
Credit.

     "Swing Revolving Credit Period" shall mean the period from the date of the
Swing Line of Credit Note through the Swing Line of Credit Maturity Date.

     "Term Date" shall mean July 1, 2000.

     "Term LIBOR Borrowing" shall mean the principal amount of any portion of
any Borrowing bearing interest at the Term LIBOR Rate.

     "Term LIBOR Rate" shall mean, with respect to a Term LIBOR Borrowing and an
Interest Period, a rate per annum determined in accordance with the following
table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              Funded Debt Ratio                                  Term LIBOR Rate
              -----------------                                  ---------------
<S>                                                  <C>
         4.25 to 1.00 or greater                     Add 2.45 (245 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
         3.50 to 1.00 up to 4.24 to 1.00             Add 2.30 (230 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
         3.00 to 1.00 up to 3.49 to 1.00             Add 2.05 (205 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
         2.99 to 1.00 or less                        Add 1.80 (180 basis points) to the LIBOR Rate
</TABLE>


     "Term Loan" shall mean the term loan extended by Standard Federal to the
Borrowers in the principal amount of Twenty Million and 00/100 Dollars
($20,000,000.00) on the terms and conditions contained in this Loan Agreement.

     "Term Note" means the Promissory Note (Term Loan) of even date herewith and
all renewals and amendments thereof, evidencing the Term Loan.

     "Truck Chassis Inventory" shall mean the Qualified Inventory of the
Borrower which is comprised of truck chassis, as reasonably determined by
Standard Federal.

     "Truck Chassis Inventory Cap" shall mean, initially, Ten Million and 00/100
Dollars ($10,000,000.00). The Truck Chassis Inventory Cap shall reduce by
$833,333.33 on the first day of each month, beginning August 1, 1999 and
continuing through July 1, 2000, after which date the Truck Chassis Inventory
Cap shall be $-0-.

     "Unused Line" shall mean the amount available for draw but not advanced
from time to time on either the Line of Credit or the Swing Line of Credit.

                                       9

<PAGE>   10

     "Unused Line Fee" shall mean a fee in the amount of 0.25% per annum of the
Unused Line. The amount of the Unused Line Fee payable on the first day of each
month will be determined by multiplying the average daily balance of the Unused
Line for the calendar month which ends one month prior to the due date of such
Unused Line Fee by .020833%.

     "Wall Street Journal Prime Rate" shall mean the "Prime Rate" published by
the Wall Street Journal as the base rate on corporate loans posted by at least
75% of the nation's 30 largest banks as the same may be changed from time to
time. If more than one Prime Rate is published, the highest rate published shall
be deemed the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. If the publishing of the Wall
Street Journal Prime Rate is discontinued, then the Prime-Based Rate shall be
based upon the index which is published by The Wall Street Journal in
replacement thereof based on similar base rates on corporate loans or, if no
such replacement index is published, the index which, in Standard Federal's sole
determination, most nearly corresponds to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate.

         SECTION 2.                 LINE OF CREDIT

     2.1  Standard Federal hereby makes available the Line of Credit to the
Borrowers, which shall not exceed at any one time outstanding the Line of Credit
Limit.

     2.2  The Line of Credit herein extended shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the Line of Credit Note. Notwithstanding the principal amount of
the Line of Credit Note as stated on the face thereof, the amount of principal
actually owing on the Line of Credit Note at any given time shall be the
aggregate of all advances theretofore made to the Borrowers hereunder, less all
payments of principal theretofore made by the Borrowers to Standard Federal
hereunder. The books and records of Standard Federal shall be presumptive
evidence of the amount of principal and interest owing hereunder at any time in
the absence of manifest error. This Loan Agreement and the Line of Credit Note
are of equal materiality and shall each be construed in such manner as to give
full force and effect to all provisions of both documents.

     2.3  Standard Federal shall, from time to time during the Revolving Credit
Period, make advances to Borrowers under the Line of Credit upon request
therefor by Borrowers made in accordance with the requirements of this Loan
Agreement, provided that upon giving effect to such advance no Event of Default
(as defined in the Line of Credit Note or this Loan Agreement) and no event
which with notice and/or the passage of time would become an Event of Default
shall exist at the time the advance is to be made; and provided further that
upon giving effect to such advance and at the time the advance is to be made all
of the representations and warranties of Borrowers contained in this Loan
Agreement and all other documents executed in connection with the Line of Credit
are true and correct; and provided further that at the time the advance is to be
made Standard Federal shall not have previously or concurrently declared all
amounts owing under the Line of Credit Note to be immediately due and payable;
and provided further the amount requested shall not cause the total amount
outstanding under the Line of Credit to exceed the Credit Limit. During the
Revolving Credit Period, the Line of Credit shall be a revolving credit so that
the Borrowers may borrow, re-pay and re-borrow principal amounts under the
provisions of this Section.

     2.4  Line LIBOR Borrowings under the Line of Credit shall bear interest at
the Line of Credit LIBOR Rate and Prime Rate Borrowings under the Line of Credit
shall bear interest at the Prime-Based Rate. Borrowers shall have the option to
designate whether Borrowings shall consist of Line LIBOR Borrowings or Prime
Rate Borrowings, to be exercised as hereinafter described. Interest shall be
calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days
amounts are outstanding.


                                       10


<PAGE>   11

     2.5  As provided in the Line of Credit Note, interest accrued on Prime Rate
Borrowings and Line LIBOR Borrowings as of the end of each month during the
Revolving Credit Period shall be payable monthly, in arrears, on the first day
of the following month.

     2.6  If at any time the amount outstanding under the Line of Credit shall
exceed the Line Credit Limit, Borrowers shall, on demand, forthwith pay to
Standard Federal such sums as are necessary to reduce the amount outstanding to
an amount not greater than the Line Credit Limit.

     2.7  Borrowers shall pay to Standard Federal, on the first day of each
month, commencing on the first payment date after the date hereof, and
continuing on the same day of each consecutive month thereafter until the
termination of the Line of Credit and all sums owing for principal and interest
with respect to the Line of Credit are paid in full, the Unused Line Fee.

     2.8  In all events, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the
provisions of this Loan Agreement, the Line of Credit shall terminate on the
Line of Credit Maturity Date. Standard Federal and the Borrowers may, but shall
not be obligated to, agree to extend the Line of Credit Maturity Date and any
extension thereof, upon a review of the Line of Credit. If, at the time of any
review of the Line of Credit, the Borrowers and Standard Federal do not mutually
agree to extend the Line of Credit Maturity Date, the Line of Credit Maturity
Date shall not be extended and the entire outstanding principal balance under
the Line of Credit Note, together with all accrued interest and any other
amounts which are payable under the Line of Credit, shall be due and payable in
full on the Line of Credit Maturity Date.

     2.9   Borrowers acknowledge and agree that in making, extending or renewing
the Line of Credit, Standard Federal is relying on the representations,
covenants and agreements of the Borrowers contained in this Loan Agreement and
such Line of Credit shall be subject to the terms and provisions hereof.

     SECTION 3.                 SWING LINE OF CREDIT

     3.1   Standard Federal hereby makes available the Swing Line of Credit to
the Borrowers, which shall not exceed at any one time outstanding the Swing Line
of Credit Limit.

     3.2  The Swing Line of Credit herein extended shall be subject to the terms
and conditions of the Swing Line of Credit Note. Notwithstanding the principal
amount of the Swing Line of Credit Note as stated on the face thereof, the
amount of principal actually owing on the Swing Line of Credit Note at any given
time shall be the aggregate of all advances theretofore made to the Borrowers
hereunder, less all payments of principal theretofore made by the Borrowers to
Standard Federal hereunder. The books and records of Standard Federal shall be
presumptive evidence of the amount of principal and interest owing hereunder at
any time in the absence of manifest error. This Loan Agreement and the Swing
Line of Credit Note are of equal materiality and shall each be construed in such
manner as to give full force and effect to all provisions of both documents.

     3.3  Standard Federal shall, from time to time during the Swing Revolving
Credit Period, make advances to Borrowers under the Swing Line of Credit upon
request therefor by Borrowers made in accordance with the requirements of this
Loan Agreement, provided that upon giving effect to such advance no Event of
Default (as defined in the Swing Line of Credit Note or this Loan Agreement) and
no event which with notice and/or the passage of time would become an Event of
Default shall exist at the time the advance is

                                       11


<PAGE>   12

to be made; and provided further that upon giving effect to such advance and at
the time the advance is to be made all of the representations and warranties of
Borrowers contained in this Loan Agreement and all other documents executed in
connection with the Swing Line of Credit are true and correct; and provided
further that at the time the advance is to be made Standard Federal shall not
have previously or concurrently declared all amounts owing under the Swing Line
of Credit Note to be immediately due and payable; and provided further the
amount requested shall not cause the total amount outstanding under the Swing
Line of Credit to exceed the Swing Line of Credit Limit. During the Swing
Revolving Credit Period, the Swing Line of Credit shall be a revolving credit so
that the Borrowers may borrow, re-pay and re-borrow principal amounts under the
provisions of this Section.

     3.4  Borrowings under the Swing Line of Credit shall bear interest at the
Prime-Based Rate. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 360
days for the actual number of days amounts are outstanding.

     3.5  As provided in the Swing Line of Credit Note, interest accrued on
Borrowings as of the end of each month during the Swing Revolving Credit Period
shall be payable monthly, in arrears, on the first day of the following month.

     3.6  If at any time the amount outstanding under the Swing Line of Credit
shall exceed the Swing Line of Credit Limit, Borrowers shall, on demand,
forthwith pay to Standard Federal such sums as are necessary to reduce the
amount outstanding to an amount not greater than the Swing Line of Credit Limit.

     3.7  Standard Federal at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may,
on behalf of the Borrowers, make Borrowings under the Line of Credit to re-pay
principal amounts outstanding under the Swing Line of Credit, regardless of
whether any conditions precedent which may otherwise be applicable to Borrowings
under the Line of Credit have been satisfied. Borrowings under the Line of
Credit for such purpose shall be made in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2. Borrowers hereby duly authorize Standard Federal to act on their
behalf for the purpose of providing Borrowing Notices for such Borrowings and
otherwise doing all things necessary to effect such Borrowings. Unless otherwise
directed by the Borrowers in accordance with the procedures for LIBOR Borrowings
outlined in this Loan Agreement, Borrowings under the Line of Credit for the
purpose of paying principal amounts outstanding under the Swing Line of Credit
shall be Prime Rate Borrowings.

     3.8  In all events, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the
provisions of this Loan Agreement, the Swing Line of Credit shall terminate on
the Swing Line of Credit Maturity Date. Standard Federal and the Borrowers may,
but shall not be obligated to, agree to extend the Swing Line of Credit Maturity
Date and any extension thereof, upon a review of the Swing Line of Credit. If,
at the time of any review of the Swing Line of Credit, the Borrowers and
Standard Federal do not mutually agree to extend the Swing Line of Credit
Maturity Date, the Swing Line of Credit Maturity Date shall not be extended and
the entire outstanding principal balance under the Swing Line of Credit Note,
together with all accrued interest and any other amounts which are payable under
the Swing Line of Credit, shall be due and payable in full on the Swing Line of
Credit Maturity Date.

     3.9  Borrowers acknowledge and agree that in making, extending or renewing
the Swing Line of Credit, Standard Federal is relying on the representations,
covenants and agreements of the Borrowers contained in this Loan Agreement and
such Swing Line of Credit shall be subject to the terms and provisions hereof.


                                       12


<PAGE>   13

         SECTION 4.                 TERM LOAN

     4.1   Standard Federal hereby extends to the Borrowers the Term Loan.

     4.2   The Term Loan herein extended shall be subject to the terms and
conditions of the Term Note. The Term Loan shall be payable and shall bear
interest as set forth in the Term Note. This Loan Agreement and the Term Note
are of equal materiality and shall each be construed in such manner as to give
full force and effect to all provisions of both documents.

     4.3   The Term Note shall provide that Standard Federal shall, from time to
time prior to the Advance Date, make advances to Borrowers upon request by
Borrowers, made in accordance with the provisions of and subject to the terms
and conditions contained in the Term Note. The initial advance shall be in the
amount of Eighteen Million Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars
($18,500,000.00). Additional advances shall be made in amounts not in excess of
the lesser of: (a) Eighty percent (80.0%) of the increase in value of the
Borrowers' facilities located in Galion, Ohio and Winesburg, Ohio resulting from
construction which is currently in progress (the "Construction"), as such
increase in value is reasonably determined by Standard Federal, or (b) Ninety
percent (90.0%) of the costs of such Construction.

     4.4   Accrued interest shall be payable monthly until the Advance Date.
From and after the Term Date, Standard Federal shall make no further advances of
principal and the principal balance outstanding as of the Advance Date shall be
repaid in consecutive monthly payments of principal, each in the amount
determined by dividing the outstanding principal balance as of the Advance Date
by Eighty Four (84), plus interest accrued to the due date of each such payment,
and a final payment on the maturity date in an amount equal to the then unpaid
principal and accrued interest.

     4.5   Term LIBOR Borrowings under the Term Loan shall bear interest at the
Term LIBOR Rate and Prime Rate Borrowings under the Term Loan shall bear
interest at the Prime-Based Rate. Borrowers shall have the option to designate
whether Borrowings shall consist of Term LIBOR Borrowings or Prime Rate
Borrowings, to be exercised as hereinafter described. Interest shall be
calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days
amounts are outstanding.

     SECTION 5.        EQUIPMENT PURCHASE LINE OF CREDIT

     5.1   Standard Federal hereby extends to the Borrowers the Equipment Line
of Credit which shall not exceed at any one time outstanding the Equipment
Credit Limit.

     5.2   The Equipment Line of Credit herein extended shall be subject to the
terms and conditions of the Equipment Line of Credit Note. The Equipment Line of
Credit shall be payable and shall bear interest as set forth in the Equipment
Line of Credit Note. This Loan Agreement and the Equipment Line of Credit Note
are of equal materiality and shall each be construed in such manner as to give
full force and effect to all provisions of both documents.

     5.3   The Equipment Line of Credit Note shall provide that Standard Federal
shall, from time to time prior to the Term Date, make advances to Borrowers upon
request by Borrowers, made in accordance with the provisions of and subject to
the terms and conditions contained in the Equipment Line of Credit Note.

                                       13


<PAGE>   14


     5.4  Accrued interest shall be payable monthly until the Term Date. From
and after the Term Date, Standard Federal shall make no further advances of
principal and the Equipment Line of Credit shall convert to a term loan. The
outstanding principal balance outstanding as of the Term Date shall be repaid in
consecutive monthly payments of principal, each in the amount determined by
dividing the outstanding principal balance as of the Term Date by Sixty (60),
plus interest accrued to the due date of each such payment, and a final payment
on the maturity date in an amount equal to the then unpaid principal and accrued
interest.

     5.5  If at any time the amount outstanding under the Equipment Line of
Credit shall exceed the Equipment Credit Limit, Borrowers shall, on demand,
forthwith pay to Standard Federal such sums as are necessary to reduce the
amount outstanding to an amount not greater than the Equipment Credit Limit.

     5.6  Each advance under the Equipment Line of Credit shall be used solely
for the purchase of equipment. Each advance shall be in an amount not in excess
of Eighty Five percent (85.0%) of the cost to the Borrowers of the equipment to
be purchased with such advance. Standard Federal shall make advances under the
Equipment Line of Credit only upon receipt by it in a form satisfactory to it of
a true and authentic copy of the dealer invoice for the equipment purchased or
to be purchased with the advance.

     5.7  Prior to the Term Date, principal amounts outstanding under the
Equipment Line of Credit shall consist of either Line LIBOR Borrowings or Prime
Rate Borrowings, at Borrowers' option to be exercised as herein provided. On and
after the Term Date, principal amounts outstanding under the Equipment Line of
Credit shall consist of either Term LIBOR Borrowings or Prime Rate Borrowings,
at Borrowers' option to be exercised as herein provided. Line LIBOR Borrowings
under the Equipment Line of Credit shall bear interest at the Line of Credit
LIBOR Rate. Term LIBOR Borrowings under the Equipment Line of Credit shall bear
interest at the Term LIBOR Rate. Prime Rate Borrowings under the Equipment Line
of Credit shall bear interest at the Prime-Based Rate. Borrowers shall have the
option to designate whether Borrowings shall consist of LIBOR Borrowings or
Prime Rate Borrowings, to be exercised as hereinafter described. Interest shall
be calculated on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual number of days
amounts are outstanding.

         SECTION 6.      MANNER OF EFFECTING BORROWINGS

     6.1  To effect a Borrowing under the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of
Credit or the Equipment Line of Credit, Borrowers shall give Standard Federal a
Borrowing Notice.

     6.2  A Borrowing Notice may be made in writing, by telefacsimile or by
telephone by an authorized representative of the Borrowers and shall specify the
aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing and the Effective Date of the
Borrowing. Any Borrowing Notice by telephone may be recorded by Standard Federal
for accuracy. A Borrowing Notice for a LIBOR Borrowing must be accompanied by
one or more Interest Rate Selection Notices, specifying the principal amount and
the Interest Period applicable to each LIBOR Borrowing.

     6.3  To effect a LIBOR Borrowing, the Borrowers must furnish Standard
Federal an Interest Rate Selection Notice.

     6.4  Interest Rate Selection Notices must be given no later than 11:00 a.m.
Detroit time on a day which is at least two (2) London Business Days prior to
the Effective Date of a LIBOR Borrowing. A Borrowing Notice for a Prime Rate
Borrowing must be given no later than 3:00 p.m. Detroit time on the Effective
Date of such Borrowing.

                                       14


<PAGE>   15

     6.5  Prior to making a Request for Borrowing or giving an Interest Rate
Selection Notice, the Borrowers may (without specifying whether the anticipated
Borrowing will be a Prime Rate Borrowing or a LIBOR Borrowing) request that
Standard Federal provide the Borrowers with the most recent LIBOR available to
Standard Federal for each Interest Period requested by Borrowers. Standard
Federal shall endeavor to provide such quoted rates to the Borrowers on the date
of the request.

     6.6  LIBOR Borrowings shall be made only in minimum increments of Five
Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($500,000.00).

     6.7  If the Borrowers wish to roll a LIBOR Borrowing into anther LIBOR
Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Borrowing,
they shall give Standard Federal an Interest Rate Selection Notice no later than
11:00 a.m. Detroit time on the day which is two (2) London Business Days prior
to the termination of the applicable Interest Period. The Interest Rate
Selection Notice shall specify the Interest Period(s) to be applicable to
principal amounts which will continue as LIBOR Borrowings. Each Interest Rate
Selection Notice shall be irrevocable and effective upon the giving thereof to
Standard Federal. If the Borrowers shall fail to give Standard Federal an
Interest Rate Selection Notice by 11:00 a.m. Detroit time on the day which is
two (2) London Business Days prior to the termination of an Interest Period with
respect to any LIBOR Borrowing, specifying the interest option to be applicable
to such Borrowing as of the end of such Interest Period, the LIBOR Borrowing
shall convert to a Prime Rate Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period.

     6.8   The Borrowers may convert Prime Rate Borrowings to LIBOR Borrowings
at any time by giving an Interest Rate Selection Notice to Standard Federal
specifying the Rate Conversion Date. The Interest Rate Selection Notice must be
given no later than 11:00 a.m. Detroit time on the day which is two (2) London
Business Days prior to the Rate Conversion Date. Each Interest Rate Selection
Notice shall specify the principal amount of the Prime Rate Borrowing to be
converted to a LIBOR Borrowing and the Interest Period to be applicable to such
LIBOR Borrowing. Each Interest Rate Selection Notice shall be irrevocable and
effective upon the giving thereof to Standard Federal.

     SECTION 7      SPECIAL PRICING AND PROTECTION PROVISIONS


     7.1  If the Borrowers make a Principal Prepayment or a LIBOR Borrowing Fail
occurs, Borrowers will pay to Standard Federal the Prepayment Premium. In the
case of a Principal Prepayment, the Prepayment Premium shall be due at the time
the Principal Prepayment is made. In the case of a LIBOR Borrowing Fail, the
Prepayment Premium shall be due on the Effective Date specified in the
applicable Borrowing Notice.

     7.2  If, with respect to an Interest Period for any LIBOR Borrowing,
Standard Federal determines, in its sole discretion, that, by reason of
circumstances affecting the interbank Eurodollar market generally, deposits in
United States dollars (in the applicable amounts) are not being offered to banks
in the interbank Eurodollar market for such Interest Period, or the Line of
Credit LIBOR Rate will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Standard
Federal of maintaining or funding the LIBOR Borrowing for such Interest Period,
Standard Federal shall promptly give notice thereof to Borrowers. Thereafter,
until Standard Federal gives notice to the Borrowers that such circumstances no
longer exist, (a) the obligation of Standard Federal to fund LIBOR Borrowings
shall be suspended and (b) the Borrowers shall either (i) repay in full the
then-outstanding principal amount of LIBOR Borrowings, together with accrued
interest thereon on the last day of the then-current Interest Period applicable
to such LIBOR Borrowings, or (ii) convert such LIBOR Borrowings to Prime

                                       15

<PAGE>   16

Rate Borrowings on the last day of the then-current Interest Period applicable
to each LIBOR Borrowing.

     7.3   If, after the date of this Loan Agreement, the adoption of any
applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change therein, or any change in the
interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority, central
bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or compliance by Standard Federal with any request or directive
(whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency shall make it unlawful or impossible for Standard Federal to
make, maintain or fund LIBOR Borrowings, Standard Federal shall promptly give
notice thereof to the Borrowers. Thereafter, (a) the obligation of Standard
Federal to fund LIBOR Borrowings shall be suspended and (b) the Borrowers shall
either (i) repay in full the then-outstanding principal amount of LIBOR
Borrowings, together with accrued interest thereon, or (ii) convert such LIBOR
Borrowings to Prime Rate Borrowings, either: (1) on the last day of the
then-current Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Borrowings, if Standard
Federal may lawfully continue to maintain and fund such LIBOR Borrowings until
such date, or (2) immediately, if Standard Federal may not lawfully continue to
fund and maintain such LIBOR Borrowings until such date, in which case Borrowers
will pay the Prepayment Premium.

     7.4  If any governmental authority or regulatory agency, central bank or
other comparable authority, shall at any time impose, modify or deem applicable
any reserve (including, without limitation, the Reserve Requirement or any other
reserve imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System),
special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for
the account of, or credit extended by, Standard Federal, or shall impose on
Standard Federal or the interbank Eurodollar market any other condition,
guideline or request affecting LIBOR Borrowings, the Note or Standard Federal's
obligation to make advances of LIBOR Borrowings, and the result of any of the
foregoing, in the reasonable judgment of Standard Federal shall be to increase
the cost to Standard Federal of making or maintaining LIBOR Borrowings, or to
reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by Standard Federal under
this Loan Agreement, or under the Note, by an amount deemed by Standard Federal
to be material, then, within five (5) days after demand by Standard Federal,
Borrowers shall pay to Standard Federal as additional interest such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate Standard Federal for such increased cost or
reduction. Standard Federal will promptly notify the Borrowers of any event of
which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle
Standard Federal to compensation pursuant to this Section. A certificate of
Standard Federal claiming compensation under this Section and setting forth the
additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in
the absence of manifest error. Standard Federal will, on request, provide
evidence supporting such certificate. If Standard Federal demands compensation
under this Section, then Borrowers may at any time, upon at least five (5) days
prior notice to Standard Federal, either (i) pay such compensation to Standard
Federal, (ii) repay in full the then outstanding LIBOR Borrowings of Standard
Federal, together with accrued interest thereon to the date of prepayment, or
(iii) convert such LIBOR Borrowings to Prime Rate Borrowings in accordance with
the provisions of this Loan Agreement; provided, however, that if the Borrowers
prepay or convert LIBOR Borrowings they shall be liable for any applicable
Prepayment Premium. Standard Federal's determination of amounts payable under
this Section shall be calculated as though Standard Federal funded the
applicable LIBOR Borrowings through the purchase of a eurodollar deposit of the
type, maturity and amount corresponding to the deposit used as a reference in
determining the Base LIBOR Rate with respect to such LIBOR Borrowing, whether or
not Standard Federal in fact purchased such deposit. If the additional amounts
payable under this Section shall be construed or so operate as to require the
Borrowers to pay, or be charged, interest at a rate which is in excess of the
maximum allowed by applicable law, then any and all such excess shall be and the
same is hereby waived by Standard Federal, and any and all such excess paid
shall be automatically credited against and in reduction of the principal
outstanding under the Note, as applicable. In such event, Standard Federal shall
have the option

                                       16

<PAGE>   17

to immediately terminate Borrowers' right to request LIBOR Borrowings, and the
unpaid balance of any outstanding LIBOR Borrowings, with accrued interest at the
highest rate permitted to be charged by stipulation in writing between Standard
Federal and Borrowers, at the option of Standard Federal, shall immediately
become due and payable. The obligations of the Borrowers under this Section
shall survive payment of the Line of Credit and termination of this Loan
Agreement.

     7.5  If Standard Federal shall determine that the adoption, amendment or
revision of any applicable law, rule or regulation affecting Standard Federal's
capital requirements or adequacy, or the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental authority or regulatory agency, central bank or
other comparable authority, or compliance by Standard Federal with any
applicable law, rule or regulation affecting Standard Federal's capital
requirements or adequacy, or any request, interpretation or directive (whether
or not having the force of law) of any governmental authority or regulatory
agency, central bank or other comparable authority which affects Standard
Federal's capital requirements, has or would have the effect of reducing the
rate of return on Standard Federal's capital to a level below the rate of return
Standard Federal would have realized in the absence of such adoption, amendment,
revision, interpretation, administration or compliance (taking into account
Standard Federal's policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount
considered by Standard Federal to be material, then, beginning five (5) days
after demand by Standard Federal, Borrowers shall pay to Standard Federal as
additional interest or as fees, as determined by Standard Federal in its sole
discretion, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Standard
Federal for such reduction in its rate of return. Such adjustments in interest
or fees shall be imposed effective five (5) days after Standard Federal's demand
and shall apply to the then outstanding principal balance of the Line of Credit
and to subsequent advances under this Loan Agreement. In determining such amount
or amounts, Standard Federal may use any reasonable averaging and attribution
methods. Standard Federal will promptly notify the Borrowers of any event of
which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle
Standard Federal to compensation pursuant to this Section. A certificate of
Standard Federal claiming compensation under this Section and setting forth the
additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in
the absence of manifest error. Standard Federal will, on request, provide
evidence supporting such certificate.

     SECTION 8.                 CONDITIONS TO MAKING LOANS

     8.1  The following are conditions precedent to the obligation of
Standard to make the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and
the Equipment Line of Credit and hereunder:

          8.1.1 The Borrowers shall have delivered or shall have had delivered
     to Standard Federal, in form and substance satisfactory to Standard Federal
     and its counsel, each of the following:

          8.1.1.1 A duly executed copy of this Loan Agreement;

          8.1.1.2 A duly executed copy of the Loan Documents;

          8.1.1.3 Such credit applications, financial statements,
     authorizations, and such information concerning the Borrowers and its
     business, operations, and condition (financial and otherwise) as
     Standard Federal may reasonably request;

          8.1.1.4 Certified copies of resolutions of the Boards of
     Directors of the Borrowers approving the execution and delivery of the
     Loan Documents required hereunder;

                                       17



<PAGE>   18

               8.1.1.5 A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
          of the Borrowers certifying the names and true signatures of the
          officers of the Borrowers authorized to sign the Loan Documents
          required hereunder;

               8.1.1.6 Copies of each of the Articles of Incorporation of the
          Borrowers, certified by the Secretary of State of each Borrower's
          state of incorporation as of a recent date;

               8.1.1.7 Copies of each of the Articles of Incorporation and
          Bylaws of the Borrowers, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
          Secretary of the Borrowers as of the date of this Loan Agreement as
          being accurate and complete;

               8.1.1.8 Certificates of good standing of the Borrowers from the
          Secretary of State of each of the Borrowers' state of incorporation as
          of a recent date;

               8.1.1.9 Certificates of authority and good standing of the
          Borrowers for each state in which the Borrowers are qualified to do
          business;

               8.1.1.10 A certificate of compliance of the chief financial
          officer or treasurer of the Borrowers in form satisfactory to Standard
          Federal dated as of the date of this Loan Agreement;

               8.1.1.11 Such certificates, binders or other evidence of all
          insurance required of the Borrowers under this Loan Agreement as
          Standard Federal may reasonably require; and

               8.1.1.12 Acknowledgement copies of all UCC-1 financing statements
          filed with respect to the Collateral accompanied by a search report
          showing such financing statements as duly filed and evidencing that
          the security interest of Standard Federal in the Collateral is prior
          to all other security interests of record.

          8.1.2 All acts and conditions (including, without limitation, the
     obtaining of any necessary regulatory approvals and the making of any
     required filings, recordings, or registrations) required to be done and
     performed and to have happened precedent to the execution, delivery, and
     performance of the Loan Documents required hereunder and to constitute the
     same legal, valid, and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with
     their respective terms, shall have been done and performed and shall have
     happened in due and strict compliance with all applicable laws.

          8.1.3 All documentation, including, without limitation, documentation
     for corporate and legal proceedings in connection with the transactions
     contemplated by the Loan Documents shall be satisfactory in form and
     substance to Standard Federal and its counsel and all fees and charges,
     including recording and filing fees, shall have been paid as required
     hereunder.

     8.2 As conditions precedent to Standard Federal's obligation to make the
Term Loan and to fund any request for an advance under the Line of Credit, the
Swing Line of Credit or the Equipment Line of Credit, at and as of the date of
the funding thereof:
                                       18


<PAGE>   19

          8.2.1 The representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in
     the Loan Documents shall be accurate and complete in all respects as if
     made on and as of such date;

          8.2.2 The Borrowers shall have paid all fees and expenses, including
     any recording fees and charges, required hereunder;

          8.2.3 There shall not have occurred an Event of Default or any event
     which with the passage of time of the giving of notice or both would
     constitute an Event of Default.

     SECTION 9.                 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     The Borrowers represent and warrant to Standard Federal that as of the date
of acceptance of this Loan Agreement, as of the time any advance is to be made
hereunder and, unless expressly provided otherwise herein or agreed to by a
writing signed by Standard Federal, at all times any amounts are outstanding
hereunder:

     9.1  The Borrowers and each of its subsidiaries, if any, are corporations
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
state of their incorporation; the Borrowers and each of its subsidiaries (if
any) have the legal power and authority to own their properties and assets and
to carry out their business as now being conducted and each is qualified to do
business in the state of its incorporation and in every jurisdiction where the
nature of its business or the property owned or operated by it makes such
qualification necessary and is otherwise in compliance with all applicable laws,
statutes, regulations, rules and requirements of any federal, state, judicial,
regulatory or administrative body having jurisdiction of the Borrowers or any of
its assets; the Borrowers have the legal power and authority to execute and
perform this Loan Agreement, to borrow money in accordance with its terms, to
execute and deliver the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the
Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note and other documents contemplated
hereby, to grant to Standard Federal mortgages and security interests in the
Collateral, as hereby contemplated, and to do any and all other things required
of it hereunder; and this Loan Agreement, the Line of Credit Note, the Swing
Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note and all
other documents contemplated hereby, when executed by the Borrowers duly
authorized officers will constitute its valid and binding legal obligations
enforceable in accordance with their terms.

     9.2   The execution, delivery and performance of this Loan Agreement, the
borrowings hereunder and the execution and delivery of the Line of Credit Note,
the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note
and other documents contemplated hereby: (a) have been duly authorized by all
requisite corporate action, (b) do not require governmental approval or the
approval of any person not a party to this Loan Agreement, (c) will not result
(with or without notice and/or the passage of time) in any conflict with or
breach or violation of or default under, any provision of law, the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the Borrowers or any indenture, agreement or other
instrument to which the Borrowers are a party, or by which it or any of its
properties or assets are bound, and (d) will not result in the creation or
imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance of any nature whatsoever upon any
of the properties or assets of the Borrowers other than in favor of Standard
Federal and as contemplated hereby.

     9.3   There is not pending or, to the best of the knowledge of the
Borrowers, threatened, any litigation, proceeding or governmental investigation
which could materially and adversely affect the business of the Borrowers or its
subsidiaries, if any, or its ability to perform its covenants hereunder.


                                       19


<PAGE>   20

     9.4  Borrowers have good and marketable title to its properties given as
security as herein described, and, except for liens in favor of Standard
Federal, liens for taxes not delinquent or being contested in good faith and
liens created in connection with worker's compensation, unemployment insurance
and social security, or to secure the performance of bids, tenders or contracts
(other than for the repayment of borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations,
surety and appeal bonds, and other obligations of like nature made in the
ordinary course of business, none of the Borrowers' or any of its subsidiaries'
(if any) assets are subject to any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, or
other encumbrance of any kind or character except as have been disclosed to
Standard Federal in writing. The Borrowers own all material patents, trademarks,
service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses and other rights, free from any
material restrictions, that are necessary for the operation of its business as
presently conducted.

     9.5  All financial data which has been or shall hereafter be furnished to
Standard Federal for the purposes of, or in connection with, this Loan
Agreement, including particularly, but without limitation, the audited
consolidated financial statements of McClain Industries, Inc. and the Form
10-Q's filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by McClain Industries,
Inc. pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
the transactions contemplated hereby has been and/or shall be prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied,
and does or will fairly present the financial condition of the Borrowers as of
the dates, and the results of its operations for the periods, for which the same
is furnished to Standard Federal.

     9.6  There has been no material adverse change in the business, properties
or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrowers or their subsidiaries (if
any) since the date of the latest financial statements provided to Standard
Federal and there are no material debts, liabilities or obligations (absolute or
contingent) of the Borrowers except as reflected in such financial statements
(or in the notes thereto).

     9.7  The Borrowers are not in default in the repayment of any indebtedness
for money borrowed by any of them nor has there occurred any event which, with
or without notice or the passage of time or both, would constitute a default by
the Borrowers under any agreement or instrument pertaining to any indebtedness
for money borrowed by any of them.

     9.8   Borrowers have filed all reports and tax returns required by
governmental authority to be filed by them prior to the date hereof and
Borrowers have received no notice that such reports or returns have been
rejected, declared insufficient, or otherwise challenged by such governmental
authority.

     9.9  McClain E-Z Pack Inc., a Michigan corporation; McClain Galion, Inc., a
Michigan corporation; Shelby Steel Processing Company, a Michigan corporation;
McClain Tube Company d/b/a Quality Tube, a Michigan corporation; McClain
International FSC, a U.S. Virgin Islands corporation; McClain Southland Co., a
Florida corporation; and McClain Group Leasing, Inc., a Michigan corporation,
are each wholly-owned subsidiaries of McClain Industries, Inc., a Michigan
corporation, and have no subsidiaries. McClain Industries, Inc., as of the date
of this Loan Agreement, owns no other subsidiaries.

     9.10  None of the proceeds of the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit,
the Term Loan or the Equipment Line of Credit will be used for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying any "margin stock" as defined in Regulation U or G of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (12 C.F.R. Part 221 and 207),
or for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally
incurred to purchase or carry a margin stock or for any other purpose which
might constitute this transaction a "purpose credit" within the meaning of such
Regulation U or G. Borrowers are not engaged in the business of extending credit
for the


                                       20


<PAGE>   21

purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stocks. Neither Borrowers nor
any person acting on behalf of Borrowers have taken or will take any action
which might cause the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the
Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note or any of the other documents
executed in conjunction therewith, including this Loan Agreement, to violate
Regulations U or G or any other regulations of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System or to violate Section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 or any rule or regulation thereunder, in each case as now in effect or as
the same may hereinafter be in effect. Borrowers and its subsidiaries, if any,
own no "margin stock" except for that described in the financial statements
provided to Standard Federal and, as of the date hereof, the aggregate value of
all "margin stock" owned by Borrowers and its subsidiaries, if any, does not
exceed 25% of all of the value of all of Borrowers' and its subsidiaries', if
any, assets. Neither the Borrowers nor any affiliate of any of the Borrowers
shall use any portion of the proceeds of the Loans, nor have any letter of
credit issued by Standard Federal, either directly or indirectly, for the
purpose of purchasing any securities underwritten by ABN AMRO Investment
Services, Inc., an affiliate of Standard Federal.

     9.11  Except as disclosed in the environmental reports listed in attached
Schedule 9.11, copies of which the Borrowers have previously furnished to
Standard Federal, neither the Borrowers nor, to the best of Borrowers' knowledge
after due inquiry, any other person or entity, has caused or permitted any
waste, oil, pesticides, or any substance or material of any kind which is
currently known or suspected to be toxic or hazardous, including but not limited
to any substance defined as a "Hazardous Waste" in Title 40, Part 261 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, (hereinafter referred to as "Hazardous Material")
to be discharged, dispersed, released, disposed of, or allowed to escape on,
under or at any property owned, occupied or operated by any of the Borrowers in
violation of any Hazardous Materials Laws (as hereinafter defined), nor has any
property owned, occupied or operated by any of the Borrowers, or any part
thereof, ever been used by the Borrowers or, to the best of Borrowers' knowledge
after due inquiry, any prior owner or any other person, as a dump, storage or
disposal site for any Hazardous Material, nor has there occurred any other
violation of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. ss.9601 et seq., or any other federal, state or
local statute, law, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order or decree
regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct
concerning, any Hazardous Material ("Hazardous Materials Laws") with respect to
any property owned, occupied or operated by any of the Borrowers. No asbestos or
asbestos-containing materials have been installed, used, incorporated into, or
disposed of on any property owned, occupied or operated by any of the Borrowers.
No polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") are located on or in any property owned,
occupied or operated by any of the Borrowers, in the form of electrical
transformers, fluorescent light fixtures with ballasts, cooling oils, or any
other device or form. All underground storage tanks located on any property
owned, occupied or operated by any of the Borrowers have been installed and are
being operated in full compliance with all applicable Hazardous Materials Laws.
The Borrowers: (a) have not received any notice of any release, threatened
release, escape, seepage, leakage, spillage, discharge or emission of any
Hazardous Materials in, under or upon any property owned, occupied or operated
by any of the Borrowers or of any violation of any Hazardous Materials Law, and
(b) do not know of any basis for any such notice or violation.

     9.12  No "reportable event," as defined in the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 and any amendments thereto ("ERISA"), has occurred and is
continuing with respect to any employee pension and/or profit sharing benefit
plan maintained by or on behalf of the Borrowers for the benefit of any of its
employees. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation ("PBGC") has not instituted
proceedings to terminate any such employee pension and/or profit sharing plan or
to appoint a trustee to administer such plan. The Borrowers have maintained and
funded and caused each of its subsidiaries, if any, to maintain and fund all
employee pension and/or profit sharing plans in accordance with their terms and
with all applicable provisions


                                       21
<PAGE>   22
of ERISA. Neither the Borrowers nor any duly appointed administrator of any
employee pension and/or profit sharing plan: (a) have incurred any liability to
PBGC with respect to any such plan other than for premiums not yet due or
payable, (b) have instituted or intends to institute proceedings to terminate
any such plan under Section 4042 or 4041A of Erisa, or (c) have withdrawn from
any Multi-Employer Pension Plan (as that term is defined in Section 3(37) of
ERISA).

         9.13 There is no material fact that the Borrowers have not disclosed to
Standard Federal which could have a material adverse effect on the properties,
business, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrowers or
any of its subsidiaries. For purposes of this Section, a "material adverse
effect" means any circumstance or event which (a) could have any adverse effect
whatsoever upon the validity, performance or enforceability of any material
provision of the Loan Documents, (b) is or might be material and adverse to the
financial condition or business operations of the Borrowers or any subsidiary,
(c) could impair the ability of the Borrowers to fulfill their obligations under
the Loan Documents, or (d) causes an Event of Default or any event which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, could become an Event of Default. Neither the
financial statements furnished by the Borrowers, nor any certificate or
statement delivered herewith or heretofore by Borrowers in connection with the
negotiations of this Loan Agreement, contains any untrue statement of a material
fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to keep the statements
contained herein or therein, under the circumstances in which they were made,
from being misleading.

         9.14 Each request for an advance under the Line of Credit or the Swing
Line of Credit shall constitute, without the necessity of specifically
containing a written statement, a representation and warranty by Borrowers that
no Event of Default exists and that all representations and warranties contained
in this Section or in any mortgage, guaranty, security agreement or other
document given to secure or relating to the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line
of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note or this Loan
Agreement are true and correct at and as of the time the advance is to be made.

         SECTION 10.                AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF BORROWERS

         10.1 Prior to Standard Federal's disbursement of any advances under the
Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit or the Equipment Line of Credit, or
closing of the Term Loan, the Borrowers shall; (a) furnish to Standard Federal,
if Standard Federal so requires, certified copies of their Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws and Certificates of Good Standing, which Articles of
Incorporation and Good Standing Certificates are to be certified by the
appropriate officials of the Borrowers' states of incorporation; (b) furnish to
Standard Federal if Standard Federal so requires a statement of the Borrowers
and the chief financial officers of the Borrowers certifying that they are
unaware of the occurrence of an Event of Default or of any event which with
notice and/or the passage of time could become an Event of Default; and (c)
furnish Standard Federal such other instruments, documents, opinions or
certificates as Standard Federal or its counsel shall reasonably require. All
actions, proceedings, instruments and documents required or requested hereunder
shall be satisfactory to and approved by Standard Federal and/or its counsel
prior to the disbursement of advances under the Line of Credit, the Swing Line
of Credit or the Equipment Line of Credit or closing of the Term Loan.

         10.2 From the date hereof until all amounts owing under the Line of
Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the Equipment Line of Credit
are paid in full and all obligations under the Line of Credit Note, the Swing
Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note, this Loan
Agreement and all other documents executed in connection with the Line of
Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the Equipment Line of Credit
are fully paid, performed and satisfied and so long as Standard Federal has any
commitment to make advances hereunder, the Borrowers covenant and agree they
will:


                                       22

<PAGE>   23


                  10.2.1 Furnish to Standard Federal as soon as available and,
         in any event, within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year of
         the Borrowers, or, in the event the Borrowers obtain an extension of
         the filing date from the Securities Exchange Commission, by such
         extended date, detailed financial statements of the Borrowers as of the
         close of such fiscal year, containing a consolidated balance sheet of
         the Borrowers and their subsidiaries, if any, and statements of income
         and cash flows of the Borrowers and their subsidiaries, if any, for
         such fiscal year prepared in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting principles and in a manner consistent with prior such
         statements containing such comments and financial details as are
         usually included in similar reports. Such statements shall be
         accompanied by an opinion thereon (which shall not be qualified by
         reason of any limitation imposed by Borrowers) of independent certified
         public accountants selected by Borrowers and acceptable to Standard
         Federal as to the fairness of the statements included in the report and
         to the effect that the examination of such accounts in connection with
         such financial statements has been made in accordance with generally
         accepted auditing standards and, accordingly, includes such tests of
         the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as were
         considered necessary in the circumstances.

                  10.2.2 Furnish to Standard Federal as soon as available and,
         in any event, within 90 days after the close of each quarter of each
         fiscal year, or, in the event the Borrowers obtain an extension of the
         filing date from the Securities Exchange Commission, by such extended
         date, detailed financial statements of the Borrowers as of the close of
         such fiscal period containing a consolidated balance sheet of the
         Borrowers and its subsidiaries, if any, and statements of income and
         cash flows of the Borrowers and its subsidiaries, if any, for such
         fiscal period and for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such
         period in reasonable detail and form acceptable to Standard Federal and
         certified by the chief financial officers of the Borrowers as being
         true and correct and as having been prepared in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, subject
         to year-end adjustments, if any.

                  10.2.3 Furnish to Standard Federal, within a reasonable time
         not to exceed 20 days after the end of each calendar month, a statement
         of accounts receivable, in a form acceptable to Standard Federal,
         certified as correct by Borrowers or a principal officer of Borrowers
         showing the agings thereof and the payment, write-off or other
         disposition of former accounts receivable the disposition of which has
         not previously been reported to Standard Federal, and such other
         information and data as Standard Federal may reasonably require.
         Borrowers will further specifically disclose any facts known to
         Borrowers which facts would tend to render doubtful the collectibility
         of any account receivable disclosed in such statements or which would
         indicate that the existence or amount of such account is disputed by
         the debtor thereon.

                  10.2.4 Furnish to Standard Federal, within a reasonable time
         not to exceed 20 days after the end of each calendar month, a statement
         of inventory of the Borrowers, in a form acceptable to Standard
         Federal, certified as correct by Borrowers or a principal officer of
         Borrowers showing the method of reporting and all additions to and
         dispositions of inventory since the previous inventory report and such
         other information and data as Standard Federal may reasonably require.

                  10.2.5 Furnish to Standard Federal, within 60 days after the
         close of each quarter of each fiscal year, a covenant compliance
         report, in a form prepared by and acceptable to Standard

                                       23

<PAGE>   24



         Federal, certified as correct by Borrower or a principal officer or
         general partner of Borrower, containing a certification of the
         Borrowers' compliance with the financial covenants contained herein as
         of the close of such fiscal period.

                  10.2.6 Furnish to Standard Federal, promptly after sending,
         filing or publishing the same, copies of all proxy statements,
         financial statements and reports that the Borrowers send to its public
         shareholders and copies of all regular, periodic and special reports
         and all registration statements and amendments thereto that the
         Borrowers file with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other
         governmental authority and any Exchange, and copies of all press
         releases issued by Borrowers.

                  10.2.7 Permit representatives of Standard Federal to conduct
         semi-annual field audits of the Collateral at Borrower's expense during
         which such representatives will be permitted to visit and inspect any
         of the Borrower's properties and examine and make abstracts from and
         copies of any of its books and records, and to discuss the business,
         operations, properties, and financial and other condition of the
         Borrower and any of its subsidiaries with officers and employees of
         such parties, and with their independent certified public accountants.

                  10.2.8 Promptly inform Standard Federal of the occurrence of
         any Event of Default or of any event (including without limitation any
         pending or threatened litigation or other proceedings before any
         governmental body or agency) which could have a materially adverse
         effect upon the Borrowers' business, properties, financial condition or
         ability to comply with its obligations hereunder or under the Line of
         Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the
         Equipment Line of Credit Note.

                  10.2.9 Furnish such other information as Standard Federal may
         reasonably request and permit Standard Federal and its agents,
         attorneys and employees to inspect all of the books, records and
         properties of the Borrowers at any reasonable time.

                  10.2.10 Maintain adequate insurance with responsible companies
         in such amounts and against such risks and hazards as are normally
         insured against by similar businesses, and provide Standard Federal
         evidence of such insurance upon request; policies of casualty insurance
         shall contain a customary mortgagee clause requiring payment of
         proceeds to Borrowers and to Standard Federal as their interests may
         appear and all other insurance shall contain a customary loss payable
         clause requiring payment of proceeds to Borrowers and to Standard
         Federal as their interests may appear and all insurance policies shall
         provide that no cancellation, reduction in amount, change in coverage
         or expiration thereof shall be effective until at least 30 days prior
         written notice has been given by the insurer to Standard Federal; and
         pay when due all taxes, assessments, fees and similar charges of every
         kind and nature lawfully assessed upon the Borrowers and/or its
         property, except to the extent being contested in good faith; and in
         the event the Borrowers fail to maintain such insurance or to pay
         promptly any taxes or charges when due, then and in such event Standard
         Federal, in its sole discretion, may, but shall not be required to, pay
         the same and any amounts expended by Standard Federal for such purpose
         shall become a part of the Line of Credit and shall bear interest at
         the rate applicable to the outstanding principal balance owing under
         the Line of Credit Note.

                  10.2.11 Preserve and keep in full force and effect their own
         and their material, operating

                                       24

<PAGE>   25



         subsidiaries' (if any) corporate existence in good standing and
         maintain voting control in their present controlling shareholders; keep
         current all filings of assumed name certificates for each name under
         which and each county in which the Borrowers do business and promptly
         inform Standard Federal of any assumed names under which they do
         business which were not used by the Borrowers on the date of this Loan
         Agreement; continue to conduct and operate their businesses
         substantially as presently conducted and operated in accordance with
         all applicable laws and regulations; maintain and protect all
         franchises and trade names and preserve all the remainder of their
         property used or useful in the conduct of their business and keep the
         same in good repair and condition; pay their indebtedness and
         obligations when due under normal terms and maintain proper books of
         record and account, and; otherwise remain in compliance with all
         applicable laws, statutes, regulations, rules and requirements of any
         federal, state, judicial, regulatory or administrative body having
         jurisdiction of the Borrowers or any of their assets, except to the
         extent noncompliance is immaterial and would not have a material
         adverse effect on Borrowers.

                  10.2.12 Maintain on a consolidated statement basis "Tangible
         Net Worth" of not less than $26,000,000.00. "Tangible Net Worth" shall
         mean total assets less trademarks, franchises, copyrights, licenses,
         prepaids, goodwill, similar intangible assets and all liabilities
         (excluding debt subordinated to Standard Federal upon terms and
         conditions acceptable to Standard Federal) of the Borrowers.

                  10.2.13 On a consolidated statement basis maintain the ratio
         of "Liabilities" to "Tangible Net Worth" of not more 3.25 to 1.00, as
         of the end of each quarter of each fiscal year. "Liabilities" shall
         mean all liabilities of the Borrowers and their consolidated
         subsidiaries, if any, as defined in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting principles as in effect as of the date of this Loan
         Agreement, consistently applied.

                  10.2.14 On a consolidated statement basis, maintain an
         Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.00 to 1.00 as of the end of
         each quarter of each fiscal year. The "Interest Coverage Ratio" shall
         mean the ratio of the Borrowers' Earnings Before Interest and Taxes
         Plus Depreciation and Amortization to Interest Expense, for the four
         fiscal quarters preceding the end of the fiscal quarter as of which the
         Interest Coverage Ratio is measured. "Earnings Before Interest and
         Taxes Plus Depreciation and Amortization" shall mean the Borrowers' net
         income, computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles as in effect as of the date hereof consistently applied,
         before provision for federal and state income taxes, plus interest,
         depreciation and amortization expense, as reflected in the financial
         statements to be furnished as required herein. "Interest Expense" shall
         mean the Borrowers' interest expense, as determined in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles.

                  10.2.15 On a consolidated statement basis, maintain a Debt
         Service Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.00, as of the end of
         each fiscal quarter. The term "Debt Service Coverage Ratio" shall mean
         the ratio of the Borrowers' Earnings Before Interest and Taxes Plus
         Depreciation and Amortization to Debt Service Expense, for the four
         fiscal quarters preceding the end of the fiscal quarter as of which the
         Debt Service Coverage Ratio is measured. "Earnings Before Interest and
         Taxes Plus Depreciation and Amortization" shall mean the Borrowers' net
         income, computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles as in effect as of the date hereof consistently applied,
         before provision for federal and state income taxes, plus interest,
         depreciation and amortization expense, as reflected in the financial
         statements to be furnished as required herein.


                                       25

<PAGE>   26


         "Debt Service Expense" shall mean the Borrowers' interest expense, plus
         the current portion of any long-term debt, plus the portion
         attributable to principal of all payments on Capital Leases (computed
         at the implicit rate, if known, or 10% per annum otherwise), computed
         in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in
         effect as of the date hereof consistently applied. "Capital Lease"
         shall mean, as of any date, any lease of property, real or personal,
         which would be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee prepared as
         of such date in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles, together with any other lease by such lessee which is in
         substance a financing lease, including without limitation, any lease
         under which (i) such lessee has or will have an option to purchase the
         property subject thereto at a nominal amount or an amount less than a
         reasonable estimate of the fair market value of such property as of the
         date such lease is entered into or (ii) the term of the lease
         approximates or exceeds the expected useful life of the property leased
         thereunder.

                  10.2.16 Maintain on a consolidated statement basis the ratio
         of "Current Assets" to "Current Liabilities" of not less than 2.25 to
         1.00, as of the end of each fiscal quarter. "Current Assets" shall
         include all assets considered current in accordance with generally
         accepted accounting principles as in effect as of the date of this Loan
         Agreement, consistently applied, less all amounts due Borrowers from
         any of their directors, officers, employees, shareholders, or any
         company controlled by any of their shareholders. "Current Liabilities"
         shall include all liabilities considered current in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles as in effect as of the date of
         this Loan Agreement, consistently applied.

                  10.2.17 At all times meet and cause each of its subsidiaries,
         if any, to meet the minimum funding requirements of ERISA with respect
         to all employee pension and/or profit sharing plans subject to ERISA
         and, with respect to any such employee benefit plan, promptly notify
         Standard Federal in writing of any reportable event, as defined in
         ERISA, or any proposed termination (voluntary or otherwise) which could
         give rise to material termination liability within the meaning of ERISA
         ss.4062.

The parties hereto acknowledge that the financial covenants set forth in
subsections 10.2.12 through 10.2.16 above, are based on the financial statements
of McClain Industries, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries.

         10.3     The Borrowers will not make any change in their accounting
policies or financial reporting practices and procedures, except changes in
accounting policies which are required or permitted by generally accepted
accounting principles and/or the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission and changes in financial reporting practices and procedures which are
required or permitted by generally accepted accounting principles.

         10.4     The Borrowers shall allow Standard Federal and its
participants in the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and
the Equipment Line of Credit and staff or independent accountants or auditors
selected by Standard Federal and its participants to conduct, at Borrowers'
expense, a full udit of the Collateral and the Borrowers' financial statements
and their books and records, semi-annually during the term of the Line of
Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the Equipment Line of
Credit. Standard Federal shall schedule such audits during normal business hours
of the Borrowers and shall provide Borrowers not less than two (2) business days
notice of the commencement of each audit. The Borrowers shall make adequate
facilities available on their premises at Borrowers' expense to enable Standard
Federal to conduct the audits herein described and shall make available all of
their books, records and other documents and information as may be reasonably
requested to facilitate the audits.


                                       26

<PAGE>   27

         SECTION 11.                NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         11.1     From the date hereof until all amounts owing under the Line of
Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the Equipment Line of Credit
are paid in full and all obligations under the Line of Credit Note, the Swing
Line of Credit Note, the Term Note and the Equipment Line of Credit Note, this
Loan Agreement and all other documents executed in connection with the Line of
Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the Equipment Line of Credit
are fully paid, performed and satisfied and so long as Standard Federal has any
commitment to make advances hereunder, the Borrowers covenant and agree that
they will not do and will not permit any subsidiary, if any, to do any of the
following without the prior written approval of Standard Federal:

                  11.1.1 Create, incur, assume or permit to exist (a) any
         mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien or charge of any kind upon
         any of their property or assets whether now owned or hereafter acquired
         other than in favor of Standard Federal, except as required or
         permitted by Standard Federal, or (b) any indebtedness or liability for
         borrowed money, except indebtedness to Standard Federal or indebtedness
         subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Borrowers'
         indebtedness to Standard Federal which is approved in writing by
         Standard Federal, except as otherwise required or permitted in writing
         by Standard Federal.

                  11.1.2 Make loans, advances or extensions of credit to any
         Entity (which in this Loan Agreement means any individual, partnership,
         corporation or other legal entity), other than a parent or subsidiary
         of the Borrowers, in excess of $100,000.00 in principal amount, except
         for sales on open account and in ordinary course of business; or
         guarantee or in any way become responsible for obligations of any other
         Entity except by endorsement of negotiable instruments for deposit or
         collection in the ordinary course of business; or subordinate any
         indebtedness due it from an Entity to indebtedness of any other
         creditor of such Entity.

                  11.1.3 Sell, lease or transfer, during any fiscal year, except
         inventory in the ordinary course of business, any substantial portion
         of its assets; or consolidate with or merge into any other Entity, or
         permit another to merge into it; or acquire by lease or purchase all or
         substantially all the business or assets of any Entity; or enter into
         any lease-back arrangement with any Entity.

                  11.1.4 Permit the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures
         made by the Borrowers during any fiscal year ending after the date
         hereof to exceed $3,000,000.00. "Capital Expenditures" shall mean any
         expenditure for an asset which will be used in a year or years
         subsequent to the year in which the expenditure is made and which asset
         is properly classifiable in relevant financial statements as property,
         equipment or improvements, fixed assets, or a similar type of
         capitalized assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting
         principles.

         SECTION 12.                SECURITY

         12.1     In order to secure: (1) the full and timely performance of the
Borrowers' covenants set forth herein and in the Line of Credit Note, the Swing
Line of Credit Note, the Term Note and the Equipment Line of Credit Note, (2)
the repayment of any and all indebtedness of the Borrowers to Standard Federal
arising pursuant to the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the
Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note (including any renewals or
substitutions thereof), this Loan Agreement and any mortgage, guaranty,


                                       27

<PAGE>   28


Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of
Credit Note or this Loan Agreement, and (3) all other indebtedness and
liabilities of the Borrowers to Standard Federal arising under this Loan
Agreement, the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note
or the Equipment Line of Credit Note, whether direct or indirect, absolute or
contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising:

                  12.1.1 The Borrowers hereby grant unto Standard Federal a
         security interest in the following property and the proceeds thereof:
         (i) any and all securities or other property received by the Borrowers
         with respect to, on account of or in exchange for any item of
         Collateral; (ii) all stock and/or liquidating dividends (whether the
         same be in the form of cash or other property) paid upon, on account of
         or with respect to any item of Collateral; and (iii) all bank deposits,
         instruments, negotiable documents, chattel paper and any and all other
         property of the Borrowers of any kind whatsoever which shall at any
         time be in the possession or under the control of Standard Federal; and

                  12.1.2 The Borrowers have granted to Standard Federal a
         security interest of first priority in all personal property of the
         Borrowers as provided in the McClain Security Agreements and the Galion
         Security Agreements, the provisions of which are hereby incorporated
         herein by reference; and

                  12.1.3 The Borrowers have granted to Standard Federal mortgage
         interests, as provided in the River Rouge Mortgage, the Oklahoma
         Mortgage, the Sterling Heights Mortgage, the Comstock Township
         Mortgage, the Winesburg Mortgage, and the Galion Mortgage, the
         provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference
         (herein, together with the property described above, referred to as the
         "Collateral" or "item(s) of Collateral"). The Borrowers shall execute
         and deliver to Standard Federal, in conjunction with the execution of
         this Loan Agreement, such amendment to the foregoing Collateral
         documents as Standard Federal and its counsel may determine are
         necessary or appropriate to confirm that such collateral properly
         secures the credit facilities provided for herein.

         12.2 The Borrowers shall execute and deliver to Standard Federal any
and all documents (including financing statements) as Standard Federal may
require to insure the perfection and priority of its liens and security
interests in the Collateral and furnish, if Standard Federal so requires, proof
of hazard insurance policies relating to the Collateral.

         SECTION 13.                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         The occurrence of any of the events enumerated below shall constitute
an Event of Default for purposes of this Loan Agreement:

         13.1 FAILURE TO PAY MONIES DUE. If any indebtedness of the Borrowers to
Standard Federal on the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan
and the Equipment Line of Credit is not paid when due, regardless of whether
such indebtedness has arisen pursuant to the terms of the Line of Credit Note,
the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment Line of Credit Note,
this Loan Agreement or any mortgage, security agreement, guaranty, instrument or
other agreement executed in conjunction herewith.

         13.2 MISREPRESENTATION. If any warranty or representation made by or
for the Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit Note,
the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line of Credit
Note in connection with the loan(s) evidenced thereby, or if any financial data
or any other information now or hereafter furnished to Standard Federal by or on
behalf of the Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit
Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the

                                       28

<PAGE>   29


Equipment Line of Credit Note shall prove to be false, inaccurate or misleading
in any material respect.

         13.3 NONCOMPLIANCE WITH AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS AND OTHER AGREEMENTS. If
the Borrowers shall fail to perform any of its obligations and covenants under
Section 9 of this Loan Agreement, or shall fail to comply with any of the other
provisions of this Loan Agreement, other than under Section 10 hereof, or the
Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note, the Equipment
Line of Credit Note, or any other agreement with Standard Federal to which it
may be a party, other than the payment of principal and interest.

         13.4 NONCOMPLIANCE WITH NEGATIVE COVENANTS. If the Borrowers shall fail
to perform any of its obligations and covenants described in Section 10 of this
Loan Agreement.

         13.5 BUSINESS SUSPENSION. If the Borrowers and/or any endorser or
guarantor of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term
Note or the Equipment Line of Credit Note shall voluntarily suspend transaction
of its business.

         13.6 BANKRUPTCY, ETC. If the Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor
of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the
Equipment Line of Credit Note: (a) makes a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors; (b) shall file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or for a
reorganization to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors; or shall
file an answer to a creditor's petition or other petition against Borrowers
and/or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of
Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line of Credit Note for relief in
bankruptcy or for a reorganization which answer admits the material allegations
thereof; or if any order for relief shall be entered by any court of bankruptcy
jurisdiction with respect to the Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of
the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the
Equipment Line of Credit Note, or if bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation
proceedings are instituted against Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of
the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the
Equipment Line of Credit Note and remain undismissed for 60 days; (c) has
entered against it any order by any court approving a plan for the
reorganization of the Borrowers or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of
Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line
of Credit Note or any other plan or arrangement with creditors of the Borrowers
or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of
Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line of Credit Note; (d) shall apply
for or permit the appointment of a receiver, trustee or custodian for any
substantial portion of the Borrowers' and/or any endorser's or guarantor's
properties or assets; or (e) becomes unable to meet its debts as they mature or
becomes insolvent.

         13.7 JUDGMENTS AND WRITS. If there shall be entered against the
Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing
Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line of Credit Note one or
more judgments or decrees which are not insured against or satisfied or appealed
from and bonded within the time or times limited by applicable rules of
procedure for appeal as of right or if a writ of attachment or garnishment
against the Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit
Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line of
Credit Note shall be issued and levied in an action claiming $100,000.00 or more
and not released, bonded or appealed from within 30 days after the levy thereof.

         13.8 MERGER. If the Borrowers shall merge or consolidate with another
entity without the prior written consent of Standard Federal.


                                       29

<PAGE>   30


         13.9 CHANGE OF CONTROL OR MANAGEMENT. If the Borrowers or a controlling
portion of its voting stock or a substantial portion of its assets comes under
the practical, beneficial or effective control of any person or persons other
than those having such control as of the date of execution of the Line of Credit
Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note and the Equipment Line of
Credit Note, whether by reason of merger, consolidation, sale or purchase of
stock or assets or otherwise, if any such change of control, in the sole and
absolute discretion of Standard Federal, adversely impacts upon the ability of
the Borrowers to carry on its business as theretofore conducted.

         13.10 OTHER DEFAULTS. If the Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor
of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the
Equipment Line of Credit Note shall default in the due payment of any material
indebtedness to whomsoever owed, or shall default in the observance or
performance of any material term, covenant or condition in any mortgage,
security agreement, guaranty, instrument, lease or agreement to which the
Borrowers and/or any endorser or guarantor of the Line of Credit Note, the Swing
Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the Equipment Line of Credit Note is a
party.

         13.11 REPORTABLE EVENT. If there shall occur any "reportable event", as
defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and any
amendments thereto, which is determined to constitute grounds for termination by
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation of any employee pension benefit plan
maintained by or on behalf of the Borrowers for the benefit of any of its
employees or for the appointment by the appropriate United States District Court
of a trustee to administer such plan and such reportable event is not corrected
and such determination is not revoked within 30 days after notice thereof has
been given to the plan administrator or the Borrowers; or the institution of
proceedings by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to terminate any such
employee benefit pension plan or to appoint a trustee to administer such plan;
or the appointment of a trustee by the appropriate United States District Court
to administer any such employee benefit pension plan.

         SECTION 14.      REMEDIES UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT

         14.1 Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Sections
13.2, 13.3 or 13.10 hereof which is not cured or waived in writing by Standard
Federal within 15 days after written notice to the Borrowers of such default; or
upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Section 13.1 which
continues unremedied for 10 days, or upon the occurrence of any Event of Default
described in Sections 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9 or 13.11, Standard
Federal's commitment to lend hereunder, if any, shall terminate and Standard
Federal may, without notice, declare the entire unpaid and outstanding principal
balance of the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the
Equipment Line of Credit and all accrued interest to be due and payable in full
forthwith, without presentment, demand or notice of any kind, all of which are
hereby expressly waived by Borrowers, and thereupon Standard Federal shall have
and may exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies provided herein or
in the Line of Credit Note, the Swing Line of Credit Note, the Term Note or the
Equipment Line of Credit Note or in any mortgage, guaranty, security agreement
or other document relating hereto or granted secured parties under the Michigan
Uniform Commercial Code, including the right to take possession of and dispose
of the Collateral, or otherwise provided by applicable law, and to offset
against the Line of Credit, the Swing Line of Credit, the Term Loan and the
Equipment Line of Credit any amount owing by Standard Federal to the Borrowers.

         SECTION 15.                MISCELLANEOUS.

         15.1 No default shall be waived by Standard Federal except in writing
and a waiver of any default

                                       30

<PAGE>   31

shall not be a waiver of any other default or of the same default on a future
occasion. No single or partial exercise of any right, power or privilege
hereunder, or any delay in the exercise hereof, shall preclude other or further
exercise of the rights of the parties to this Loan Agreement.

         15.2 No forbearance on the part of Standard Federal in enforcing any of
its rights under this Loan Agreement, nor any renewal, extension or
rearrangement of any payment or covenant to be made or performed by the
Borrowers hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any of the terms of this Loan
Agreement or of any such right.

         15.3 This Loan Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the
law of the State of Michigan.

         15.4 All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made in
connection with this Loan Agreement and any document contemplated hereby shall
survive the borrowing hereunder and shall be deemed to have been relied upon by
Standard Federal. All statements contained in any certificate or other document
delivered to Standard Federal at any time by or on behalf of the Borrowers
pursuant hereto shall constitute representations and warranties by the
Borrowers.

         15.5 The Borrowers agree that it will pay all costs and expenses
incurred by Standard Federal in enforcing Standard Federal's rights under this
Loan Agreement and the documents contemplated hereby, including without
limitation any and all reasonable fees and disbursements of legal counsel to
Standard Federal.

         15.6 This Loan Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal
representatives, successors and assigns; provided, however, that the Borrowers
shall not assign or transfer its rights or obligations hereunder without the
prior written consent of Standard Federal.

         15.7 If any provision of this Loan Agreement shall be held or deemed to
be or shall, in fact, be inoperative or unenforceable as applied in any
particular case in any or all jurisdictions, or in all cases because it
conflicts with any other provision or provisions hereof or any constitution or
statute or rule of public policy, or for any other reason, such circumstances
shall not have the effect of rendering the provision in question inoperative or
unenforceable in any other case or circumstance, or of rendering any other
provision or provisions herein contained invalid, inoperative, or unenforceable
to any extent whatever. The invalidity of any one or more phrases, sentences,
clauses or sections contained in this Loan Agreement, shall not affect the
remaining portions of this Loan Agreement, or any part thereof.



                                       31

<PAGE>   32

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrowers and Standard Federal have caused this
Loan Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first written above.

                                       BORROWERS:

                                       MCCLAIN INDUSTRIES, INC., a Michigan
                                       corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:  /s/ Mark S. Mikelait
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                     Mark S. Mikelait
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                Its:  Treasurer
                                                    ----------------------------

                                        38-1867649
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number

                                       MCCLAIN E-Z PACK INC., a Michigan
                                       corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:  /s/ Mark S. Mikelait
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                     Mark S. Mikelait
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                Its:   Treasurer
                                                    ----------------------------

                                        38-3060202
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number

                                       MCCLAIN GALION, INC., a Michigan
                                       corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:  /s/ Mark S. Mikelait
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                     Mark S. Mikelait
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                Its:  Treasurer
                                                    ----------------------------

                                        38-3060260
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number

                                       SHELBY STEEL PROCESSING COMPANY, a
                                       Michigan corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:  /s/ Mark S. Mikelait
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                     Mark S. Mikelait
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                Its:  Treasurer
                                                    ----------------------------

                                        38-2205216
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number


                                       32

<PAGE>   33



                                       MCCLAIN TUBE COMPANY  d/b/a  QUALITY
                                       TUBE, a Michigan corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:  /s/ Mark S. Mikelait
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                     Mark S. Mikelait
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                Its:  Treasurer
                                                    ----------------------------

                                        38-3191647
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number

                                       MCCLAIN  INTERNATIONAL  FSC,  a U.S.
                                       Virgin  Islands
                                       corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:   /s/ Kenneth D. McClain
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                      Kenneth D. McClain
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                 Its:  President
                                                     ---------------------------

                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number

                                       MCCLAIN SOUTHLAND CO, INC., a Florida
                                       corporation


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:   /s/ Mark S. Mikelait
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness                                      Mark S. Mikelait
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                 Its:  Treasurer
                                                     ---------------------------

                                        59-3241829
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Taxpayer Identification Number

                                       33

<PAGE>   34


                                       STANDARD FEDERAL:

                                       STANDARD FEDERAL BANK, a federal savings
                                       bank


/s/ Sara J. Brorby                     By:
---------------------------------         --------------------------------------
    Witness
    Sara J. Brorby
                                                 Its:  Vice President
                                                     ---------------------------

                                       34


<PAGE>   35


                                    EXHIBIT A

                    [FORM OF INTEREST RATE SELECTION NOTICE]



STANDARD FEDERAL BANK
Member ABN AMRO Group

2600 West Big Beaver Road
P.O. Box 3703
Troy, Michigan 48007-3703
248/643-9600

                                                Loan  No.:
                                                          ----------------------

                                            Borrowing No.:
                                                          ----------------------

                         INTEREST RATE SELECTION NOTICE

TO:      STANDARD FEDERAL BANK

         In accordance with the provisions of the Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement, dated                  (the "Loan Agreement"), executed in connection
with the referenced loan, the undersigned hereby notifies you that it has
selected the Interest Period commencing on the Effective Date stated below with
respect to the Borrowing outstanding under the referenced Borrowing No. in the
principal amount indicated below (capitalized terms used in this notice shall
have the meanings given such terms in the Loan Agreement):

           Interest Period:
                                   -----------------------------
           Effective Date:
                                   -----------------------------
           Principal Amount:
                                   -----------------------------
           LIBOR:
                                   -----------------------------
           LIBOR Rate:
                                   -----------------------------
           Last Day of
           Interest Period:
                                   -----------------------------



                                   BORROWER:

                                   McClain Industries, Inc., and subsidiaries


                                   By:  EXHIBIT - DO NOT SIGN
                                      ---------------------------------------

                                   Its:
                                       --------------------------------------

                                       35


<PAGE>   36


                                  SCHEDULE 9.11


         1.       Final Report Phase I Environmental Assessment Peabody-Galion
                  Corporation, Winesburg, Holmes County, Ohio, prepared by
                  Stearns & Wheler, Environmental Engineers and Scientists,
                  dated February, 1993, Project No. 2471.

         2.       Final Report Phase II Site Investigation, Galion Site,
                  Winesburg, Ohio, prepared by Stearns & Wheler, Environmental
                  Engineers and Scientists, dated September, 1993, Project No.
                  2471.

         3.       Phase II Site Investigation Peabody-Galion Site, Galion, Ohio,
                  prepared by Stearns & Wheler, Environmental Engineers and
                  Scientists, dated January, 1993, Project No. 2429.




                                             36