DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,328

REHAU, INC.
PLANT STURGIS DIVISION
STURGIS, MICHIGAN

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, as
amended (19 USC 2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of an 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on June 8, 2005, in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Rehau, Inc., Plant Sturgis Division, Sturgis, Michigan. The
workers produce edgeband for the furniture industry.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment will decline absolutely in June 2005 upon the closure of
the Sturgis facility.
The subject firm is shifting production of edgeband from the
Sturgis plant to a country (Canada) that is party to a free trade
agreement with the United States.
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 addition, 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 there was a shift in production from
the workers firm or subdivision to Canada of articles that are like
or directly competitive with those produced by the subject firm or
subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:


"All workers of Rehau, Inc., Plant Sturgis Division, Sturgis,
Michigan who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after June 1, 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 27th day of June 2005.

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