DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,946

TOWLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
NORTH DIGHTON, MASSACHUSETTS

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 June 4, 2003 in response to
a petition filed on behalf of workers of Towle Manufacturing
Company, North Dighton, Massachusetts. The workers are engaged in
the production of silver-plated hollowware.
Employment of the subject firm declined during the relevant
periods.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm is
transferring production of hollowware abroad and increasing its
reliance on imports in the relevant periods.


Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with silver-plated holloware produced
at Towle Manufacturing Company, North Dighton, Massachusetts,
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 Towle Manufacturing Company, North Dighton,
Massachusetts, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after June 2, 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 22nd day of July 2003.

/s/ Richard Church


_________________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance