DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,383

SMTC MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
FRANKLIN, MASSACHUSETTS

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 in response to a petition received on October 30, 2003 and filed by the Trade Program Manager of Boston, Massachusetts on behalf of workers at SMTC Manufacturing Corporation, Franklin, Massachusetts. The workers produced metal fabrication integrated chassis.
The investigation revealed that subject plant sales, production and employment declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject firm's major declining customer regarding their purchases of metal fabrication integrated chassis during 2001, 2002 and January through September 2003 over the corresponding 2002 period. The survey revealed that a customer increased its imports, while decreasing their purchases from the subject firm during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles like or directly competitive with metal fabrication integrated chassis produced at SMTC Manufacturing Corporation, Franklin, Massachusetts 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 SMTC Manufacturing Corporation, Franklin, Massachusetts who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after October 28, 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 4th day of December, 2003.


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