DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-65,440

FIBERMARK, NORTH AMERICA
SEARS WAY DIVISION
FKA PERMALIN MANUFACTURING
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

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 March 2, 2009 in response to
a petition filed by workers of Fibermark, North America, Sears Way
Division, formerly known as Permalin Manufacturing, West Springfield,
Massachusetts. Workers at the subject firm produce custom converted
paper, cloth, spines, end leaves and leather. Workers are not
separately identifiable by product line.
The investigation revealed that employment, sales and production
at the subject facility declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the major
declining customers of the subject firm regarding purchases of custom
converted paper, cloth, spines, end leaves and leather in 2007, 2008,
January through February 2008 and January through February 2009. The
survey revealed an increased reliance on imports during the relevant
period.
In addition, 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.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investigation,
I determine that increases of imports of articles like or directly
competitive with custom converted paper, cloth, spines, end leaves
and leather produced at Fibermark, North America, Sears Way Division,
formerly known as Permalin Manufacturing, West Springfield,
Massachusetts 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 Fibermark, North America, Sears Way Division,
formerly known as Permalin Manufacturing, West Springfield,
Massachusetts, who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after February 27, 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 7th day of April 2009.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance