DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,300

A.O. SMITH
WATER PRODUCTS COMPANY
INCLUDING LEASED WORKERS OF
MANPOWER, ESI, AND QUANTUM
MCBEE, SOUTH CAROLINA

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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on July 14, 2003 and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at A.O. Smith, Water Product Company, McBee,
South Carolina. The workers produced water heaters.





The preponderance in the declines in employment at the
subject plant is related to a shift in plant production of water
heaters 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 of production
from the workers firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles 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 A.O. Smith, Water Product Company, McBee,
South Carolina, and leased workers of Manpower, ESI, and
Quantum producing water heaters at A.O. Smith, Water Product
Company, McBee, South Carolina, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after July 8, 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 8th day of August, 2003.

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