DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,487

NEXPAK
EL DORADO HILLS, CALIFORNIA

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, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its 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 Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on January 6, 2003, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of NEXPAK, El
Dorado Hills, California. The workers at the subject facility
produced jewel cases, used for storing compact discs.
The investigation revealed that production at the subject
facility decreased absolutely from 2001 to 2002.
Employment at the subject facility declined absolutely when
the subject facility closed on December 31, 2002.
The investigation further revealed that NEXPAK did not import
jewel cases or shift production of jewel cases to a foreign
country.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
declining customers regarding their purchases of jewel cases. This
survey revealed increases in imports of jewel cases during the
period under investigation.
Furthermore, aggregate U.S. imports for consumption of jewel
cases increased absolutely from 2001 to 2002.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with jewel cases produced at NEXPAK,
El Dorado Hills, California contributed importantly to the total or
partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales or
production and at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of NEXPAK, El Dorado Hills, California who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
December 9, 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 in Washington, D. C. this 1st day of May, 2003

/s/Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance