DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,576

MATADOR TOOL & DIE INC.
GRAND RAPIDS, 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, 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)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on June 20, 2008, and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Matador Tool & Die Inc., Grand Rapids,
Michigan. The workers produce plastic injection molds, die cast
dies and mold repairs.
The investigation revealed that production and employment
declined at the subject facility during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
injection molds, die cast dies and mold repairs in 2006, 2007, and
January through May 2008 compared with the corresponding 2007
period. The survey revealed that respondents increased their
imports while decreasing their purchases from the subject firm
during 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 injection molds, die cast dies
and mold repairs produced at Matador Tool & Die 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 Matador Tool and Die Inc., Grand Rapids,
Michigan, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after June 19, 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 24th day of July 2008


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