DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,743
PLASTICS ENGINEERING COMPANY
GEELE AVENUE FACILITY
SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN

TA-W-53,743A
PLASTICS ENGINEERING COMPANY
NORTH AVENUE FACILITY
SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Determination to Apply for 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 December 9, 2003 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Plastics Engineering Company, Geele Avenue facility,
Sheboygan, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,743) and of Plastics Engineering
Company, North Avenue facility, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (TA-W-
53,743A). Workers at the Geele Avenue facility produce molded
products. Workers at the North Avenue facility produce thermoset
plastic compounds and resin, a substantial portion of which is
supplied to the Geele Avenue facility for production there.
The investigation revealed that sales and production at the
subject facilities decreased in the relevant periods, and layoffs
are anticipated.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facilities' major
customers regarding their purchases of thermoset plastic molded
parts in 2001-2002 and January to November, 2002-2003. The survey
revealed significant increases in imports accompanied by reductions
in 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 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 determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with thermoset plastic molds,
compounds, and resin produced at the Geele Avenue and North Avenue
facilities of Plastics Engineering Company 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 Plastics Engineering Company, Geele Avenue
facility, Sheboygan, Wisconsin (TA-W-53,743) and Plastics
Engineering Company, North Avenue facility, Sheboygan,
Wisconsin (TA-W-53,743A) who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after December 3, 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 31st day of December 2003
/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance