DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-60,141

ESCO COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
PLANT #2
MUSKEGON, 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 (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 September 26, 2006 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of ESCO Company Limited Partnership, Plant #2, Muskegon,
Michigan. The workers produce chemicals for the paper industry.
The investigation revealed that a shift in production from the
subject firm to Japan occurred during the period of investigation,
and layoffs at the subject plant resulted from this shift. The
investigation further revealed that the subject firm will likely
increase its imports of chemicals for the United States paper
industry 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 Japan of articles that are like
or directly competitive with the paper industry chemicals 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 ESCO Company Limited Partnership, Plant #2,
Muskegon, Michigan, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after September 19, 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 24th day of October, 2006


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