DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,010

HOLLAND AMERICAN WAFER COMPANY
GRAND RAPIDS, 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), 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)(A) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on September 23, 2005 and filed on behalf of workers at
Holland American Wafer Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The
workers produced sugar wafers, cereal bars and fudge sticks.
The investigation revealed that plant production and
employment declined during the relevant period.

The Department of Labor conducted a sample survey of the
subject firm's major declining customers regarding their
purchases of sugar wafers, cereal bars and fudge sticks during
2003, 2004 and January through September 2005 over the
corresponding 2004 period. The survey revealed an increased
customer reliance on imported sugar wafers, cereal bars and fudge
sticks during the relevant period.
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 subject facility are
over age 50 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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with sugar wafers, cereal bars and
fudge sticks produced at Holland American Wafer Company, Grand
Rapids, 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 Holland American Wafer Company, Grand
Rapids, Michigan who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 22, 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 2nd day of November, 2005.


/s/Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance