DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,512

PRIDE MANUFACTURING CO. LLC
TAMPA, FLORIDA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker 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 7, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at Pride Manufacturing Co. LLC, Tampa, Florida. The
workers at the subject facility make wood cigar tips.
The investigation revealed that sales and production
declined in 2004 compared with 2003 and also declined in January
through February 2005 compared with the same period in 2004. It
is anticipated that the facility will close in the near future
and separate all workers.
The investigation also revealed that the subject firm's
major customer ceased purchasing from the subject firm and is
now sourcing wood cigar tips from a foreign producer.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at the subject
firm 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 Pride Manufacturing Co. LLC, Tampa, Florida
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after January 19, 2004, through two years from the
date of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment
assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 12th day of March 2005.

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