DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration


TA-W-63,630

PERMACEL ST. LOUIS INC.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

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 July 1, 2008, and filed by Teamsters Local 688 on
behalf of workers at Permacel St. Louis Inc., St. Louis, Missouri.
The workers produced automotive foam rubber parts.
The investigation revealed that sales, 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
automotive foam rubber parts in 2006 and 2007, and in January
through June 2008 over the corresponding 2007 period. The survey
revealed that respondents increased their purchases of imported
automotive foam rubber parts 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 automotive foam rubber parts
produced at Permacel St. Louis Inc., St. Louis, Missouri,
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 Permacel St. Louis Inc., St. Louis, Missouri,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after June 23, 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 6th day of August 2008.



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