DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,023

GDX NORTH AMERICA, INC.
WABASH, INDIANA

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), as amended, 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)(A) of Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on November 17, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by the United Steel Workers of
America, Local 626L, on behalf of workers of GDX North America,
Inc., Wabash, Indiana. The workers produce rubber seals for
automotive windows and doors.
The investigation revealed the sales, production and
employment declined in 2003 compared with 2002 and also in
January to November, 2004 compared with the same period one year
earlier.
The Department of Labor surveyed major customers of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of door/window rubber
seals for automotive applications for the above mentioned time
periods. Respondents reported reductions in purchases from the
subject firm and increasing imports in these periods.
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 increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with rubber seals for automotive
windows and doors produced at GDX North America, Inc., Wabash,
Indiana contributed importantly to the total or partial
separation of workers and to the decline in sales or production
at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions
of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of GDX North America, Inc., Wabash, Indiana
who became totally or partially separated from employment
on or after November 12, 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 5th day of January, 2005

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