DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-41,552

SOUTHTECH, INC.
TAPPAHANNOCK, VIRGINIA

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 May 20, 2002 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers at SouthTech, Inc.,
Tappahannock, Virginia. Workers at the subject firm are employed
in activities related to the production of metal stamped and
injection-molded parts used in printers.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined to zero in July 2002,
when the Tappahannock plant was closed.


The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of a major
customer of the subject firm regarding its purchases of metal
stamped and injection-molded parts in 2000, 2001 and Janu-ary-May
2002. The survey revealed that the respondent reported
increasing its imports of metal stamped and injection-molded
parts, while decreasing purchases from the subject firm during
the relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investiga-
tion, I conclude that increased imports of articles like or
directly competitive with the metal stamped and injection-molded
parts used in printers produced at SouthTech, Inc., Tappahannock,
Virginia 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 SouthTech, Inc., Tappahannock, Virginia, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 29, 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 16th day of August 2002.


/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance