DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,607

TECNICOR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
HINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

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 June 27, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by state agency representative on behalf of
workers at Tecnicor International, Inc., Hingham, Massachusetts.
The workers at the subject firm produce cork and gasket products.
The workers are not separately identifiable by articles produced.
The investigation revealed that employment declined at
Tecnicor International, Inc., Hingham, Massachusetts between 2006
and 2007, and January through May 2008 over the corresponding 2007
period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customer regarding its purchases of cork and gasket
products during January through May 2008 over the corresponding
2007 period. The survey revealed an increased reliance on imported
cork and gasket products during the period under investigation.
In addition, in accordance with Section 246 of 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 an increase in imports of articles
like or directly competitive with cork and gasket products that
were produced by Tecnicor International, Inc., Hingham,
Massachusetts 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 Tecnicor International, Inc., Hingham,
Massachusetts, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after June 17, 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 13th day of August 2008.


/s/Linda G. Poole
_______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance