DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,327

AKZO NOBEL
INDUSTRIAL COATINGS DIVISION
SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974,
(19 USC 2273), 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 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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated March 26, 2003, in response
to a petition filed by a TAA representative for the state of New
Jersey on behalf of workers at Akzo Nobel, Industrial Coatings
Division, Somerset, New Jersey. The workers at the subject firm
produce industrial coatings (paint).
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
firm declined from 2001 to 2002 and also declined from January
through February 2003 when compared to the same time period in
2002.
The preponderance in the declines in employment at the
subject firm is related to a shift in plant production of
industrial coatings to a country (Mexico) that is a party to a
free trade agreement with the United States.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that
are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions
of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Akzo Nobel, Industrial Coatings Division,
Somerset, New Jersey who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after March 25, 2002
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 5th day of June 2003.

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