DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-41,227

VIRACON, INC.
A SUBSIDIARY OF APOGEE, INC.
OWATONNA, MINNESOTA

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 April 1, 2002, and filed on behalf of workers at
Viracon, Inc., a subsidiary of Apogee, Inc., Owatonna, Minnesota.
Workers at the subject firm produce architectural glass.


The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined absolutely in the first two
months of 2002 when compared with the same period in 2001.
The Department of Labor surveyed several of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
architectural glass. This survey revealed absolute increases in
imports of architectural glass during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at Viracon, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Apogee, Inc., Owatonna, Minnesota 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 Viracon, Inc., a subsidiary of Apogee, Inc.,
Owatonna, Minnesota engaged in employment related to the
production of architectural glass, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after March 4, 2001,
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 at Washington, D.C., this 17th day of May, 2002.



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