DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,762

WESTIN AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS, INC.
ST. JAMES, MINNESOTA

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on July 29, 2008, and filed by the State of Minnesota on
behalf of workers at Westin Automotive Products, Inc., St. James,
Minnesota. The workers produced automotive aftermarket accessories
(step bars and grille guards).
The investigation revealed that the declines in employment at
the subject firm are related to the shift in production of
automotive aftermarket accessories (step bars and grille guards) to
Taiwan and China. Moreover, the subject firm has increased imports
of step bars and grille guards.
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 there was a shift in production
from the workers' firm or subdivision to Taiwan and China of
articles that are like or directly competitive with those produced
by the subject firm or subdivision, and there has been or is likely
to be an increase in imports of like or directly competitive
articles. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the
following certification:
"All workers of Westin Automotive Products, Inc., St. James,
Minnesota, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after July 28, 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 8th day of August 2008.


/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance