Corrected Copy 7/3/2008

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,308

SUMITOMO BAKELITE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
MANCHESTER, CONNECTICUT

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 May 5, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by workers of Sumitomo Bakelite North
America, Manchester, Connecticut. The workers produce plastics
materials and resins.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales, and
production at the subject facility declined in 2006, 2007, and
in January to March 2008.
The Department of Labor surveyed the major declining
customers of the subject firm regarding their purchases of
plastics materials and resins in 2006, 2007, and January to
March 2007/2008.
Respondents reported increased imports while reducing
purchases from the subject firm in the relevant periods.
In addition, 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.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with plastics materials and resins
produced at Sumitomo Bakelite North America, Inc., 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 Sumitomo Bakelite North America, Inc.,
Manchester, Connecticut who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after May 2, 2007 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 27th day of June 2008
/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance