DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,190

MERIDIAN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.
COMPANY 21
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, 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 October 24, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by a state workforce representative on
behalf of workers of Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc., Company 21,
Grand Rapids, Michigan. The workers produce interior components
(e.g.- consoles, glove boxes, and cup holders for the automotive
industry).
The investigation revealed that the preponderance in the
declines in employment at Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc.,
Company 21, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is related to a shift in
production of interior components to a country (Mexico) that is a
party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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 conclude that there was a shift in production from
the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that are
like or directly competitive with the interior components produced
by the subject firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc., Company 21,
Grand Rapids, Michigan who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after October 21, 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 21st day of November 2005

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