DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,174

AEI ACQUISTIONS, LLC
D/B/A NEXPAK
TUCSON, ARIZONA

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), 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 February 5, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by a local One Stop on behalf of
workers of AEI Acquisitions, LLC., d/b/a Nexpak, Tucson, Arizona.
The workers produced plastic DVD and video cassette cases and
covers.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject facility decreased in 2003 compared to
2002. The facility closed on February 3, 2004.
The subject firm imported DVD and video cassette cases and
covers during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's major
customers regarding their purchases of DVD and video cassette cases
and covers in 2002, 2003 and January to February, 2004. The survey
revealed increased imports 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 DVD and video cassette cases and
covers produced at AEI Acquisitions, LLC., d/b/a Nexpak, Tucson,
Arizona 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 AEI Acquisitions, LLC., d/b/a Nexpak, Tucson,
Arizona who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after January 29, 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 24th day of March, 2004
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance