DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,840

MASTERGEAR
SOUTH BELOIT, ILLINOIS

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 May 21, 2003, and filed on behalf of workers at
Mastergear, South Beloit, Illinois. The workers produce valve
actuators.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment declined
at the subject facility during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customer regarding their purchases of
valve actuators during 2001, 2002, and January through May 2003
over the corresponding 2002 period. The survey revealed that
major customer(s) increased their purchases of imported valve
actuators, 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 valve actuators produced at
Mastergear, South Beloit, Illinois 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 Mastergear, South Beloit, Illinois, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after May
20, 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 6th day of August 2003.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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