DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,339

NATIONAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
STERLING, ILLINOIS

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), 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)(B) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on October 24, 2003, in response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of National Manufacturing Company, Sterling, Illinois. The workers produce builders’ hardware products.
The investigation revealed that a shift in production from the subject facility to foreign countries (predominantly China) occurred during the period of investigation, and layoffs at the subject plant resulted from this shift in production. The investigation further revealed that company imports began increas-ing during the relevant period.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 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 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 this case that the requirements of Section 246 have been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm 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 conclude that there was a shift in production from the workers’ firm or subdivision to China, and other foreign countries, of articles that are like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject firm or subdivision, and there has been an increase in imports of like or directly competitive articles. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:

"All workers of National Manufacturing Company, Sterling, Illinois who became totally or partially separated from em-ployment on or after October 15, 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 5th day of December, 2003.




/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance