DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,200

BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS
FIRESTONE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS - NOBLESVILLE PLANT
NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA

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 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 October 10, 2008 in
response to a petition filed jointly by the United Steelworkers of
America, Local 138, and a company official on behalf of workers of
Bridgestone/Firestone Diversified Products, Firestone Industrial
Products - Noblesville Plant, Noblesville, Indiana. The workers
produce airsprings and molded rubber products (marsh mellow
springs) for railcars and industrial uses. The workers are not
separately identifiable by articles produced.
This investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined from 2006 to 2007, and in January through
September 2008 when compared to the same time period in 2007.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm
increased imports of airsprings and molded rubber products during
the period of the 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 increases in imports of articles
like or directly competitive with airsprings and molded rubber
products produced by Bridgestone/Firestone Diversified Products,
Firestone Industrial Products - Noblesville Plant, Noblesville,
Indiana, 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 Bridgestone/Firestone Diversified Products,
Firestone Industrial Products - Noblesville Plant,
Noblesville, Indiana, who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after October 9, 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 23rd day of October, 2008
/s/ Linda G. Poole
____________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance