DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,395

DU-CO CERAMICS COMPANY
SAXONBURG, PENNSYLVANIA

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 31, 2003, in response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Du-Co Ceramics Company, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. The workers produce ceramic components.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the subject firm decreased during the relevant period
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject firm’s major declining customers regarding their purchases of ceramic components during 2001, 2002 and January through October 2003 over the corresponding 2002 period. The investigation revealed an increased reliance on imported ceramic components 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 ceramic components produced at Du-Co Ceramics Company, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania 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 Du-Co Ceramics Company, Saxonburg, Pennsylvania who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after October 29, 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 2nd day of December, 2003.



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