DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,650

PPG INDUSTRIES
FIBER GLASS DIVISION
LEXINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), 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 August 21, 2003, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of PPG
Industries, Lexington, North Carolina. The workers at the subject
facility produce glass fibers.
The investigation revealed that sales and production at the
subject facility declined absolutely from 2001 to 2002 and during
the period of January through August 2003 when compared to the same
period in 2002.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's
customers regarding their purchases of glass fibers. This survey
revealed increases in imports of glass fibers during the relevant
period.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of the Trade Act
of 1974 (216 USC 2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein
presents the results of its investigation regarding certification
of eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
(ATAA) for older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in the case of PPG Industries, Lexington, North Carolina
that the requirements of Section 246 have been met.
A significant number of workers at the division are age 50 or
over and possess skills that are not easily transferable.
Competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.








Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with glass fibers produced at PPG
Industries, Fiber Glass Division, Lexington, North Carolina,
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 PPG Industries, Fiber Glass Division,
Lexington, North Carolina, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after July 26, 2002 through
two years from the date of certification are eligible to apply
for worker adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the
Trade Act of 1974, and are also eligible to apply for
alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of
the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 28th day of October 2003.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance