DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,811

VALDESE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
A SUBSIDIARY OF MERIDIAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
VALDESE, 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), 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 March 24, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a state workforce agent on behalf of workers
of Valdese Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of Meridian
Industries, Inc., Valdese, North Carolina. The workers produce
dyed yarns.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm decreased from January through
February 2005 when compared to the same period in 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of dyed yarn in 2003-2004 and
January to February, 2004-2005. The survey revealed increases in
direct and indirect imports accompanied by reduced purchases from
the subject firm.
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 those produced by Valdese
Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of Meridian Industries, Inc.,
Valdese, North Carolina, 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 Valdese Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of
Meridian Industries, Inc., Valdese, North Carolina, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
March 17, 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, 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 22nd day of April, 2005.

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