DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,040

WOHLERT SPECIAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN

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 January 20, 2004, in response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Wohlert Special Products Company, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The workers produce automotive flywheel assemblies.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and employment at the subject firm declined during the relevant time period.

The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major customers of Wohlert Special Products Company, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, regarding their purchases of automotive flywheel assemblies in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The survey revealed that a major customer increased its reliance on imported automotive flywheel assemblies in 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 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 increased imports of articles like or directly competitive with automotive flywheel assemblies produced at Wohlert Special Products Company, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, contributed importantly to the decline in sales or production and to the total or partial separation of workers of that firm.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Wohlert Special Products Company, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after January 14, 2003 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 25th day of February, 2004.



/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance