DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-41,410

WELLMAN, INC.
MARION, SOUTH 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 in response to a petition
received on April 29, 2002, filed by a company official on behalf
of workers at Wellman, Inc., Marion, South Carolina. The workers
were engaged in the production of polyester staple textile
fibers.
A petition for NAFTA-Transitional Adjustment Assistance has
been filed on behalf of workers at the subject firm (NAFTA -
6080).


This investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the Marion plant declined to zero on April 26, 2002
when the facility was shut down.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of the subject firm concerning their purchases of
polyester staple textile fiber in 2000, 2001, and January to June
2001-2002. The survey revealed that respondents reported
increasing imports while decreasing purchases from the subject
firm during the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with the polyester staple textile fibers
produced at Wellman, Inc., Marion, South Carolina 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 Wellman, Inc., Marion, South Carolina, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 22, 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 19th day of September 2002.

/s/ Richard Church

______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance