[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 10 (Friday, January 14, 2000)] [Notices] [Pages 2435-2436] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 00-946] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-36,775] Hart Metals, incorporated, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania; Notice of Negative Determination on Reopening By letter of November 2, 1999, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA), Local #4182, submitted information regarding the Department's denial of eligibility of workers of Hart Metals, Incorporated, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania to apply for worker adjustment assistance. The denial notice was signed on October 6, 1999 and published in the Federal Register on November 4, 1999 (64 FR 60230). The letter submitted by the USWA warranted reexamination of the Department's findings in this case. The petition was filed on behalf of workers at the subject firm producing magnesium powders. The Department's investigation concentrated on the production of those articles from which the workers were separated from employment, specifically atomized magnesium powders. The Department's initial investigation regarding atomized magnesium powders concluded that sales, production and employment at the plant declined during the relevant time period. None of the subject firm customers were replacing purchases of atomized managesium powders from Hart Metals with import purchases of like or directly competitive articles. The USWA asserts that the workers also were engaged in the production of ground magnesium powders. One of the grinding machines was shifted to Canada to produce ground magnesium powder. The powder is then returned to the United States to be used in de-sulpherization processes in steel mills. On reinvestigation, the Department learned that the workers are not separately identifiable by product line. As indicated in the Department's initial investigation, the quantity of production of atomized magnesium powders declined from January through June 1999 compared to the same 1998 time period. The customer survey was for those customers reducing purchases of atomized magnesium powders. Total sales and production of other articles produced at the plant, ground magnesium granules and powders and desulfurization agents increased from 1997 to 1998 and in January through August 1999 compared to January through August 1998. Therefore, criterion (2) of Section 222 of the worker [[Page 2436]] group eligibility requirements has not been met. The USWA states that the company shifted a grinding machine to Canada to produce ground magnesium powder. Company imports of ground magnesium powder increased in the first eight months of 1999. The company imports, however, accounted for a small percentage of the plant's total production and sales. Conclusion After careful review of the facts on reopening, I affirm the original notice of negative determination of eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance for workers and former workers of Hart Metals, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Signed in Washington, D.C. this 7th day of January 2000. Grant D. Beale, Program Manager, Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. 00-946 Filed 1-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-M