DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,259

O'NEAL STEEL INCORPORATED
WELDMENT DIVISION
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA

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 October 15, 2003 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of O'Neal Steel,
Weldment Division, Roanoke, Virginia. Workers produced steel
fabrications.
The investigation revealed that sales decreased in 2002
compared to 2001 and in January-September 2003 compared to the same
period in 2002.
The company shifted a portion of production at the Roanoke
facility to a foreign country in January-September 2003 and is
currently importing product previously produced at the subject
facility. The company anticipates further shifting of production
abroad.
The Department conducted a survey of major customers of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of steel fabrications in
2001, 2002 and January-September 2003. The survey revealed that a
respondent increased its purchases from foreign firms while
decreasing its purchases from the subject firm in the relevant
periods.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with cordage produced at O'Neal Steel,
Weldment Division, Roanoke, Virginia 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 O'Neal Steel, Weldment Division, Roanoke,
Virginia who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 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."
Signed in Washington, D.C. this 14th day of November 2003.


/s/ Richard Church

______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance