DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-57,668

CULP INC.
ARTEE-SHELBY PLANT
SHELBY, 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), as amended, 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on August 3, 2005 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers at Culp, Inc., Artee-
Shelby Plant, Shelby, North Carolina. The workers at the subject
firm produce yarn.
The yarn produced by the workers at this facility is part of
the vertically integrated process for the firm's production of
upholstery fabrics.
The investigation further revealed that the preponderance of
the decline in employment at the Shelby, North Carolina yarn plant
is related to increased imports of upholstery fabric following a
shift in production from the firm's Burlington, North Carolina
plant to China. Workers of the firm in Burlington have been
certified eligible to apply for adjustment assistance.
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 do not possess skills that are easily
transferable. Competitive conditions within the industry are
adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that there was a shift in production of
upholstery fabric from the workers' firm or subdivision to China,
and there has been or is likely to be an increase in imports of
like or directly competitive articles. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Culp Inc., Artee-Shelby Plant, Shelby, North
Carolina, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after August 2, 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 26th day of August 2005.

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance