DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-42,206

HOFFCO/COMET INDUSTRIES, INC.
RUSHVILLE, INDIANA


Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act
of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), the Department of Labor herein presents
the results of an investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance
each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the
Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the
requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on September 30, 2002, and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Hoffco/Comet Industries, Inc., Rushville,
Indiana. The workers produce transmissions for washing machines.


Investigative findings revealed sales, production and
employment at the subject firm declined in January through November
2002 as compared with the same time period in 2001.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customer regarding its purchases of washing machine transmissions
during 2000, 2001 and January through November 2002. The survey
revealed that the customer increased its imports of washing machine
transmissions, while decreasing their purchases from the subject
plant during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at Hoffco/Comet
Industries, Inc., Rushville, Indiana contributed importantly to the
decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Hoffco/Comet Industries, Inc., Rushville,
Indiana who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 16, 2001, through two years
from the date of certification are eligible to apply for
adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of
1974."
Signed at Washington, D.C., this 25th day of November, 2002.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance