DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,032

KENT, INC.
FORT KENT, MAINE

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, 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 7, 2002, in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers at Kent, Inc., Fort Kent, Maine. The workers at the
subject firm produced children's sleepwear.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased absolutely from 2000 to 2001, and again from
January through September 2001 to the same time period of 2002.
Furthermore, the subject firm closed in November of 2002.
The investigation further revealed that U.S. aggregate imports
for consumption of pajamas and other nightwear increased during the
relevant period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with children's sleepwear produced at
Kent, Inc., Fort Kent, Maine contributed importantly to the total
or partial separation of workers and to the decline in sales or
production and at that firm or subdivision. In accordance with the
provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Kent, Inc., Fort Kent, Maine who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
November 5, 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, as amended."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 5th day of December, 2002

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