DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,471

TIGRA USA
WEST JEFFERSON, NORTH CAROLINA

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on May 25, 2006, in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Tigra USA, West Jefferson, North Carolina. The workers produce
tungsten carbide tips.
The investigation revealed that a shift in production from the
subject firm to Germany occurred during the period of investi-
gation, and layoffs at the subject plant resulted from this shift
in production. The investigation further revealed that the subject
firm will likely increase its imports of tungsten carbide tips as a
result.
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 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 Germany of articles that are
like or directly competitive with tungsten carbide tips produced by
the subject firm or subdivision, and there will likely be an
increase in imports of such articles. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:



"All workers of Tigra USA, West Jefferson, North Carolina who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after May 23, 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 9th day of June, 2006



/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance