DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,876

EXCEL FINISHING CORPORATION
RIDGEWOOD, NEW YORK

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 17, 2003, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Excel Finishing Corporation, Ridgewood, New York. The
workers produce ladies sweaters.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm has
experienced sales and employment declines during the relevant
period.
U.S. imports of ladies sweaters have attained very high
levels, both absolutely and in comparison with U.S. production.
The ratio of imports to U.S. shipments was in excess of 570 percent
in the one year period ending March, 2003, reflecting a significant
increase from the corresponding one year period ending March 2002.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with ladies sweaters produced at Excel
Finishing Corporation, Ridgewood, New York contributed importantly
to the total or partial separation of workers and to the decline in
sales or production at that firm or subdivision. In accordance
with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Excel Finishing Corporation, Ridgewood, New
York who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after September 8, 2002 through two years from the date
of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 6th day of November, 2003.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
Elliott S. Kushner
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance