DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,100

SMITH SYSTEMS MANUFACTURING CO.
PRINCETON, MINNESOTA

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 in response to a petition
received on November 15, 2002 and filed by the International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, District
165 on behalf of workers at Smith Systems Manufacturing Company,
Princeton, Minnesota. The workers produced school and computer
furniture such as workstations, carts, cabinets, shelves and
desks.


The investigation revealed that subject plant sales,
production and employment declined during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor conducted a survey of the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of
school and computer furniture during 2000, 2001 and January
through November 2002 over the corresponding 2001 period. The
survey revealed that customers increased their purchases of
imported school and computer furniture, while decreasing their
purchases from the subject firm 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 school and computer furniture
produced at Smith Systems Manufacturing Company, Princeton,
Minnesota 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 Smith Systems Manufacturing Company,
Princeton, Minnesota who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after November 12, 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 9th day of January, 2003.

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance