DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,572

OWENS-BRIGAM MEDICAL COMPANY
FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA

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 on July 9, 2001 in response
to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Owens-BriGam Medical Company, Fletcher, North Carolina. The
workers produce disposable anesthesia and respiratory supplies
such as face masks and tubes.
A petition for the NAFTA Transitional Adjustment Assistance
has been filed on behalf of workers at the subject plant (NAFTA -
05070).
This investigation revealed that subject firm started
production of disposable anesthesia and respiratory supplies in
January 2000, and closed the plant July 31, 2000. Production was
shifted to a foreign plant and all workers separated.
The company has increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with those produced at the Fletcher, North
Carolina plant since 1999.
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 disposable anesthesia and
respiratory supplies such as face masks and tubes at Owens-
BriGam Medical Company, Fletcher, North Carolina, contributed
importantly to the decline in sales or 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 Owens-BriGam Medical Company, Fletcher,
North Carolina, who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after June 28, 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 9th day of August, 2001.

/s/ Linda G. Poole

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