DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,490

SAINT-GOBAIN VETROTEX AMERICA
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, as
amended (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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on April 14, 2003, and filed by the Texas Rapid Response
Coordinator on behalf of workers at Saint-Gobain Vetrotex America,
Wichita Falls, Texas. The workers produce fiber glass.
The investigation revealed that sales declined at the subject
facility during the relevant period. Employment will decrease when
layoffs begin in the near future.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
fiber glass during 2001, 2002, and January through March 2003
over the corresponding 2002 period. The survey revealed that
major customers increased their purchases of imported fiber
glass, while decreasing their purchases from the subject firm
during the relevant time period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with fiber glass produced at Saint-
Gobain Vetrotex America, Wichita Falls, Texas, 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 Saint-Gobain Vetrotex America, Wichita Falls,
Texas who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after April 10, 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 19th day of May 2003.



/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance