DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,811

RBX INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONOVER, NORTH 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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on September 11, 2003 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of RBX Industries, Inc., Conover, North Carolina. Workers
of the subject firm produce closed cell foam rubber.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm decreased from 2001 to 2002 and
during the period of January through August 2003 compared to the
same period in 2002.
The Department of Labor surveyed a sample of the subject
firm's customers regarding their purchases of closed cell foam
rubber in 2001, 2002 and January to September, 2002-2003. The
survey revealed increases in imports and declining domestic
purchases during the period under investigation.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at the subject
firm 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 RBX Industries, Inc., Conover, North Carolina
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after September 3, 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 21st day of October 2003.

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