DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,685

SODETAL USA, INC.
FOUNTAIN INN, SOUTH CAROLINA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC
2273), the Department of Labor herein presents the results of its
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 Trade Adjustment Assistance,
the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph (a)(2)(A) or
(a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met. It is
determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(B) of Section
222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated September 24, 2004 in response to
a petition filed on behalf of workers at Sodetal USA, Inc., Fountain
Inn, South Carolina. The workers at the subject firm produce steel
tire cord.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and employment
at the subject firm will decrease absolutely in December of 2004 due
to closure of the facility.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that that subject firm
began to shift its production of steel tire cord to France in August
of 2004 and imports of steel tire cord will increase substantially at
the completion of the shift.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the results
of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility to apply
for alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA) for older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements of
Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 have been
met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.












Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investigation,
I determine that there was a shift in production from the workers=
firm or subdivision to France of articles that are like or directly
competitive with those produced by the subject firm or subdivision,
and there has been or is likely to be an increase in imports of like
or directly competitive articles. In accordance with the provisions of
the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Sodetal USA, Inc., Fountain Inn, South Carolina
who became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 14, 2003 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance
under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, and are also
eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 27th day of October 2004.


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