DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,072

ENGINEERED SPECIALTY PLASTICS
HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

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 on October 5, 2005 in response
to a petition filed by a state representative (Arkansas) on behalf
of workers of Engineered Specialty Plastics, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The workers produce injection plastic moldings.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined absolutely upon closure of the Hot Springs
facility in September of 2005.
The Department of Labor surveyed one of the subject firm's
major customers regarding their purchases of injection plastic
moldings during 2003, 2004, and January through October 2005. The
survey revealed increased imports accompanied by reduced purchases
from the subject firm.
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 injection plastic moldings
produced at Engineered Specialty Plastics, Hot Springs, Arkansas
contributed importantly to the total or partial separation of
workers and to the decline in sales or production at that firm or
subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make
the following certification:
"All workers of Engineered Specialty Plastics, Hot Springs,
Arkansas who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 4, 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 12th day of December 2005
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance