DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-65,596

NORTECH SYSTEMS, INC
BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA

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 March 16, 2009 in
response to a petition filed by a Minnesota State Workforce
Office on behalf of workers of Nortech Systems, Inc., Bemidji,
Minnesota. The workers produce custom wire and cable
assemblies.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject
facility declined in January 2009 as compared with 2008.
The subject firm is shifting production of custom wire and
cable assemblies manufactured in the Bemidji facility to an
affiliate facility in Mexico, a country that is party to a free
trade agreement with the United States. The firm is increasing
its reliance on imports to supply domestic customers.
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 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 Nortech Systems, Inc., Bemidji, Minnesota,
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after March 13, 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 22nd day of April, 2009

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