DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,699

MEADWESTVACO
CONSUMER PACKAGING DIVISION
CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE

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 May 7, 2003, in response to
a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Meadwestvaco, Consumer packaging Division, Cleveland, Tennessee.
The workers produce consumer packaging including boxes and cartons.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined in 2002 compared with 2001, and also declined
in January through April of 2003 compared with the same period in
2002. The plant is scheduled to cease production in August of 2003.
The Department surveyed major declining customers of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of products like or directly
competitive with those produced at the subject firm. Results of
this survey revealed that customers increased their reliance on
imported consumer packaging relative to purchases from the subject
firm in the relevant 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 consumer packaging produced at
Meadwestvaco, Consumer Packaging Division, Cleveland, Tennessee
contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers and to the decline in sales or production at that firm or
subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Meadwestvaco, Consumer Packaging Division,
Cleveland, Tennessee who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after May 7, 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 29th day of July, 2003.

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance