DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,770

L & Z TOOL AND ENGINEERING, INC.
WATCHUNG, NEW JERSEY

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)(A) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on December 11, 2003 in response to a petition filed by the New Jersey Department of Labor on behalf of workers of L & Z Tool and Engineering, Inc., Watchung, New Jersey. The workers produce plastic injection molds.
Employment and sales the subject firm declined in 2002 and 2003.
The Department of Labor surveyed major customers of the subject firm regarding their purchases of plastic injection molds in 2002 and 2003. The survey revealed that respondents increased their purchases of imported molds in 2003.
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 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 plastic injection molds produced at L & Z Tool and Engineering, Inc., Watchung, New Jersey 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 L & Z Tool and Engineering, Inc., Watchung, New Jersey who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after December 9, 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 14th day of January 2004.

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance