DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,509

ADVANCE TOOL, INC.
BLAINE, MINNESOTA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply For Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply For
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 December 16, 2005, in
response to a petition filed by the Minnesota State TAA Coordinator
on behalf of workers of Advance Tool, Inc., Blaine, Minnesota. The
workers produce plastic injection molds.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm has
experienced declines in sales, production and employment during the
relevant time period.
The investigation also revealed that the subject firm has
increased its imports plastic injection molds during the relevant
time 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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program that the
Department must consider under Section 246 of the Trade Act are:
1. Whether a significant number of workers in the
workers' firm are 50 years of age or older.

2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.

3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).

The Department has determined that criterion 2 has not been
met.
The investigation revealed that workers at the subject firm
have skills that are easily transferable to other jobs in the local
area.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with plastic injection molds produced
at Advance Tool, Inc., Blaine, Minnesota, 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 Advance Tool, Inc., Blaine, Minnesota, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after December 16, 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
I further determine that all workers of Advance Tool, Inc.,
Blaine, Minnesota, are denied eligibility to apply for alternative
trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of
1974.
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 20th day of January 2006.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner


______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance