DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,404

VELCRO USA INC.
LANCASTER, SOUTH 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, 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 17, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Velcro USA Inc., Lancaster, South Carolina. The
workers produce laminated textile roll goods.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
firm declined during the relevant period.
The investigation also revealed that the subject firm
shifted production of laminated textile roll goods to a country
(Mexico) that is a 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 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 there has been a shift in
production from the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico 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 Velcro USA Inc., Lancaster, South Carolina
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after June 16, 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 at Washington, D.C., this 30th day of June 2005.

/s/ Linda G. Poole

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LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance