DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,502

TIERCON INDUSTRIES USA, INC.
VASSAR, 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 (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 July 5, 2005 in response to
a petition filed on behalf of workers of Tiercon Industries USA,
Inc., Vassar, Michigan. The workers produce glove box latches for
automobiles.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm will decline upon its shutdown on
July 22, 2005.
An agreement with the primary customer of the subject firm
allows the production of glove box latches for automobiles to be
outsourced to another company located in Canada for import into the
United States. This production in Canada is now occurring.
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 Tiercon
Industries USA, Inc., Vassar, Michigan, 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 Tiercon Industries USA, Inc., Vassar,
Michigan, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after July 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 22nd day of July, 2005

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