DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,837

WIRTZ MANUFACTURING COMPANY
RUBBER MOLD DIVISION
PORT HURON, MICHIGAN

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 eligibility
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 August 20, 2001, and filed on behalf of workers at Wirtz
Manufacturing Company, Rubber Mold Division, Port Huron, Michigan.
The workers produce rubber injection molds.
The investigation revealed that sales of rubber injection
molds at the subject firm declined in 2000 compared to 1999, and
again in January through September 2001 compared to January through
September 2000. Employment at the subject firm declined in January
through September 2001 compared to January through September 2000.
The investigation further revealed that major customers of the
subject firm increased their purchases of imported rubber molds
while decreasing purchases from the subject firm during the relevant
period.
A certification applicable to this worker group was issued on
August 11, 1998 and expired on August 11, 2000.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like
or directly competitive with rubber injection molds produced by
Wirtz Manufacturing Company, Rubber Mold Division, Port Huron,
Michigan 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 Wirtz Manufacturing Company, Rubber Mold
Division, Port Huron, Michigan, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after August 12,
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 19th day of February, 2002.
/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance