DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,032

COLSON CASTER CORPORATION
JONESBORO, 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), 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 March 15, 2006 and filed by a state agency on behalf of
workers of Colson Caster Corporation, Jonesboro, Arkansas. The
workers at the subject firm produce steel, plastic and rubber
casters.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined from 2004 to 2005 and also declined from the
period of January through February 2006 over the corresponding 2005
period. The investigation also revealed that company imports of
steel, plastic and rubber casters increased during the relevant
period.
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 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 steel, plastic and rubber casters
produced by Colson Caster Corporation, Jonesboro, 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 Colson Caster Corporation, Jonesboro,
Arkansas, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after March 14, 2005, 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 22nd day of March 2006.
/s/ Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance