DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,160

BIDDLE PRECISION COMPONENTS
SHERIDAN, INDIANA

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 October 7, 2003 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Biddle Precision Products, Sheridan, Indiana. The workers of the
subject firm produce hydraulic valve spools and related components.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject facility decreased from 2001 to 2002 and also declined in
January through September of 2003 compared to the same period in
2002.


The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
customers regarding their purchases of hydraulic valve spools in
2001, 2002 and January to September, 2002-2003. The survey revealed
increases in imports along with reduced purchases from the subject
firm during the period under investigation.
In addition, 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 Biddle Precision
Components, Sheridan, Indiana, 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 hydraulic valve spools and other
precision components produced at Biddle Precision Components,
Sheridan, Indiana, 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 Precision Components Corporation, Sheridan,
Indiana who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after September 10, 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, 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 23rd day of October 2003.

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