DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,555

AMERICAN OFFSET PRINTING INK, INC.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA


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 September 3, 2004, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of American Offset Printing Ink, Inc., Charlotte, North
Carolina. The workers produce offset printing ink.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm declined in the relevant time
period.

The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of American Offset Printing Ink, Inc., Charlotte, North
Carolina, regarding their purchases of offset printing ink in 2002,
2003, and January-August of 2004. The survey revealed that a major
customer increased its reliance on imported offset printing ink
while decreasing 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 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 offset printing ink produced at
American Offset Printing Ink, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina,
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 American Offset Printing Ink, Inc., Charlotte,
North Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after August 25, 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 30th day of September, 2004.


/s/ Richard Church

_____________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance