DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,201

FLEXFAB HORIZONS INTERNATIONAL, L.L.C.
HASTINGS, MICHIGAN

Negative Determination 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:
(1) that a significant number or proportion of the workers
in the workers' firm, or an appropriate subdivision
thereof, have become totally or partially separated,
or are threatened to become totally or partially
separated;

(2) that sales or production, or both, of the firm or
subdivision have decreased absolutely; and

(3) that increases of imports of articles like or directly
competitive with articles produced by the firm or
appropriate subdivision have contributed importantly to
the separations, or threat thereof, and to the absolute
decline in sales or production.

The investigation was initiated on May 7, 2001, in response
to a petition filed by the company on behalf of workers at
Flexfab Horizons International L.L.C., Hastings, Michigan.
Workers were primarily engaged in activities related to the
production of silicone hoses and bellows for the automotive,
heavy-duty truck and aerospace markets.
This investigation revealed that criterion (3) has not been
met.
The investigation revealed that the preponderance in the
declines in sales, production and employment at the subject firm
is related to a sharp decline in purchases from heavy-duty truck
and automotive customers. The customers have decreased their
production of heavy-duty trucks and automobiles during the
relevant period, thus reducing the demand for silicone hoses and
bellows.
The company did not import silicone hoses or bellows during
the relevant period.
The workers are under an existing investigation for NAFTA-
Transitional Adjustment Assistance. The identifying number is
NAFTA-4769.
Conclusion
After careful review, I determine that all workers of
Flexfab Horizons International L.L.C., Hastings, Michigan, are
denied eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance under
Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 4th day of June, 2001.

/s/ Linda G. Poole

____________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance