DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,447

VIBRACOUSTIC NORTH AMERICA
LIGONIER DIVISION
A SUBSIDIARY OF FREUDENBERG-NOK
INCLUDING ON-SITE LEASED WORKERS
FROM PEOPLE LINK, FORGE,
STAFF MARK, & TIME SERVICES
LIGONIER, 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 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 on November 17, 2008, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Vibracoustic North America, Ligonier Division, a
subsidiary of Freudenberg-NOK, Ligonier, Indiana. The workers
produce noise and vibration resistant automotive parts such as
center bearing supports, prop shaft dampers, suspension bushings,
steering wheel dampers, and seat dampers. The workers are not
separately identifiable by products produced.
The investigation revealed that the decline in employment at
the subject facility is related to a shift in production of noise
and vibration resistant automotive parts to a country (Mexico) that
is party to a free trade agreement with the United States.
In addition, 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 conclude that there was a shift in production from
the workers' firm or subdivision to Mexico of articles that are
like or directly competitive with those produced by the subject
firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act,
I make the following certification:





"All workers of Vibracoustic North America, Ligonier Division,
a subsidiary of Freudenberg-NOK, including on-site leased
workers from People Link, Forge, Staff Mark, & Time Services,
Ligonier, Indiana, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after November 13, 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 4th day of December 2008


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