DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,889

COLUMBIA MACHINE, INC.
VANCOUVER, 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 January 14, 2009 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Columbia Machine, Inc., Vancouver, Washington. The
workers produce block producing and palletizing equipment. The
workers are not separately identifiable by article.
The investigation revealed that production and employment at
the subject firm declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the firms for which Columbia
Machine, Inc., submitted bids for projects in 2007 and 2008. The
survey revealed that in 2007 the subject firm was the lowest
domestic bidder for a project of significant value that was awarded
to a foreign producer. The foreign source began shipping the
product to the United States during the period covered by this
investigation.
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 do not possess skills that are 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 block producing and palletizing
equipment produced by Columbia Machine, Inc., Vancouver, 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 Columbia Machine, Inc., Vancouver, Washington,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after January 12, 2008 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 March 2009

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance