DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-41,455

WERBAK, INCORPORATED
WEBSTER, MASSACHUSETTS

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 and filed by a company official on
behalf of workers at Werbak Inc., Webster, Massachusetts. The
workers produced commercial acrylic yarn.
The investigation revealed sales and production decreased in
January-September 2001 compared to the same period in 2001(est.).
The subject firm closed permanently in February 2002.
U.S. imports of acrylic spun yarn increased both absolutely
and relatively in 2000 compared to 1999.
The Department conducted a survey of major declining customers
of the subject firm regarding their purchases of yarn and fiber
products in January-September 2000 and January-September 2001. The
survey revealed that a respondent increased its purchases of
imported yarn and fiber products while decreasing its purchases
from the subject firm in January-September 2001 compared to the
same period in 2000.
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 acrylic yarn produced at Werbak Inc.,
Webster, Massachusetts 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 Werbak Inc., Webster, Massachusetts who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
March 14, 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 in Washington, D. C. this 11th day of July, 2002



/s/Edward A. Tomchick_________
EDWARD A. TOMCHICK
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance