DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,193

KITCO
DIVISION OF
SPECIALTY ELASTOMERS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
BLUFFTON, INDIANA

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 in response to a petition
received on July 2, 2004 and filed by the Metal Processors
Workers Union on behalf of workers at Kitco, Division of
Specialty Elastomers Technologies, Inc., Bluffton, Indiana. The
workers produced molded rubber products for automobiles.
The investigation revealed that plant production and
employment declined during the relevant period.


The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
molded rubber products for automobiles during 2002, 2003 and
January through June 2004. The survey revealed that customers
increased their reliance on imported molded rubber products while
decreasing their purchases from the subject firm during 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 subject facility are
over age 50 and do not possess easily transferable skills.
Furthermore, 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 molded rubber products for
automobiles produced at Kitco, Division of Specialty Elastomers
Technologies, Inc., Bluffton, Indiana 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 Kitco, Division of Specialty Elastomers
Technologies, Inc., Bluffton, Indiana who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after June 30,
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 9th day of August, 2004.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

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