DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-59,978

UMICORE USA INC.
MAXTON, 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, 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 August 29, 2006 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Umicore USA
Inc., Maxton, North Carolina. The workers produce extra fine
cobalt powder and granulated extra fine cobalt powder.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
facility decreased during the period of January through August
2006 when compared with the same period of 2005.
Furthermore, the subject firm has shifted production of
extra fine cobalt powder and granulated extra fine cobalt powder
to China and Belgium. Imports of extra fine cobalt powder and
granulated extra fine cobalt powder have increased in the
relative 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 conclude that there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to China and Belgium of
articles that are like or directly competitive with those
produced by the subject firm or subdivision, and there has been
or is likely to be an increase in imports of like or directly
competitive articles. In accordance with the provisions of the
Act, I make the following certification:


"All workers of Umicore USA Inc., Maxton, North Carolina
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after August 28, 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 8th day of September 2006

/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance