DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-65,827

PLASMA AUTOMATION, INC.
MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply For Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Negative Determination Regarding Eligibility To Apply For
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 April 21, 2009, in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Plasma Automation,
Inc., Meadville, Pennsylvania. The workers produce metal cutting
tools using the plasma arc process.
The investigation revealed that United States aggregate
imports of metal cutting tools using the plasma arc process were
high relative to U.S. shipments in 2007 and increased sharply in
2008.
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 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.
The group eligibility criteria for the ATAA program

that the Department must consider under Section 246 of the

Trade Act are:

1. Whether a significant number of workers in the
workers' firm are 50 years of age or older.

2. Whether the workers in the workers' firm possess skills
that are not easily transferable.

3. The competitive conditions within the workers' industry
(i.e., conditions within the industry are adverse).

The Department has determined that criterion {1} has not
been met.
The investigation revealed that there are no workers aged 50
or older at the subject firm.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with metal cutting tools produced at
Plasma Automation, Inc., Meadville, Pennsylvania 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 Plasma Automation, Inc., Meadville,
Pennsylvania who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after April 20, 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."
I further determine that all workers of Plasma Automation,
Inc., Meadville, Pennsylvania are denied eligibility to
apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under
Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Signed in Washington, D.C., this 15th day of May, 2009


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