DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,009

OREGON PANEL PRODUCTS, LLC
LEBANON, OREGON

Notice of Revised Determination
On Reopening

On June 2, 2004, the Department, on its own motion, reopened
its investigation for the former workers of the subject firm.
The initial investigation was terminated on the basis that the
petitioning group of workers was covered by an active certification
issued on October 29, 2003 (TA-W-52,773), which remained in effect
and had been amended to reflect what was believed to be a name
change of the subject facility.
The Department obtained new information that revealed that
there is no successor-in-interest status for Oregon Panel Products,
LLC. Therefore, the investigation is being reopened.
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 June 2, 2004 in response to
a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Oregon Panel Products, LLC, Lebanon, Oregon. The workers at the
subject firm produced hardboard.
The findings of the investigation on reopening revealed that
sales and employment at the subject firm decreased absolutely with
the closure of the facility in May 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm’s major
customers regarding their purchases of hardboard. The survey
revealed increases in imports of hardboard during the period under
investigation.
In addition, Unites States aggregate imports of hardboard
increased significantly during the period under investigation.
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 hardboard produced at Oregon
Panel Products, LLC, Lebanon, Oregon 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 Oregon Panel Products, LLC, Lebanon, Oregon
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after October 27, 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 5th day of August 2004

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