DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,258

IRWIN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON

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 October 21, 2008 in
response to a petition filed by workers of Irwin Research and
Development, Yakima, Washington. Workers at the subject firm
produced thermoforming equipment.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales and
production declined during the relevant period.
The United States Department of Labor surveyed the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
thermoforming equipment in 2006, 2007, January through October 2007
and January through October 2008. The survey revealed increased
imports of thermoforming equipment 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 thermoforming equipment
manufactured by Irwin Research and Development, Yakima, Washington
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 Irwin Research and Development, Yakima,
Washington who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 16, 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 5th day of March 2009.



/s/Elliott S. Kushner
_____________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance