DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,489

PLASTIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
A SUBSIDIARY OF EBSCO INDUSTRIES, INC.
FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS

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, as
amended (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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated March 12, 2004 in response to
a petition filed by a state agency representative on behalf of
workers at Plastic Research and Development Corporation (Pradco), a
subsidiary of EBSCO Industries, Inc., Fort Smith, Arkansas. The
workers produce fishing lures.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
facility decreased absolutely during the period 2002-2003 and
January to March 2003-2004.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the preponderance
of declines in employment at the subject firm is related to a shift
in production of fishing lures to China during January through
March 2004 and actual increase in imports during this same time
period.
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 within the
local commuting area. Additionally, competitive conditions within
the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that there was a shift in production
from the workers firm or subdivision to China of articles that are
like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm or subdivision, and there has been or is likely to be an
increase in imports of like or directly competitive articles. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:


"All workers of Plastic Research and Development Corporation,
a subsidiary of EBSCO Industries, Inc., Fort Smith, Arkansas,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after March 11, 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 21st day of May, 2004.

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