DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-60,407

J.L. FRENCH AUTOMOTIVE CASTINGS, INC.
BENTON HARBOR, 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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on November 13, 2006 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers at J.L. French
Automotive Castings, Inc., Benton Harbor, Michigan. The workers
produce aluminum die-castings used in the automotive industry.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined to zero on June 28, 2006 when operations at the
subject facility ceased.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customer regarding its purchases of aluminum die-castings in 2004,
2005 and January-November 2006. The survey revealed reduced
purchases from the subject firm and increased imports in the
relevant 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.
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 aluminum die-castings produced at
J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., Benton Harbor, Michigan,
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 J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., Benton
Harbor, Michigan who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after November 7, 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 19th day of January, 2007


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