DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-38,665

VICTOR EQUIPMENT CO.
DENTON, TEXAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act
of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), the Department of Labor herein presents
the results of an investigation regarding certification of eligi-
bility to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance
each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the
Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the
requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated in response to a petition
received on February 12, 2001, and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Victor Equipment Co., Denton, Texas. The
workers produce cutting and welding equipment.
A petition for NAFTA Transitional Adjustment assistance has
been filed on behalf of workers at the subject firm (NAFTA-4494).
A determination on that petition will be made concurrently with
this.



This investigation revealed that a portion of the production
of cutting and welding equipment at the Denton plant is being
transferred abroad for subsequent import. Company imports increased
in 2001 and have contributed importantly to separations at the
subject plant.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or
directly competitive with cutting and welding equipment produced at
Victor Equipment Co., Denton, Texas, contributed importantly to the
decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Victor Equipment Co., Denton, Texas, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after January 30, 2000, through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 7th day of March, 2001

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