DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-50,866

ASTENJOHNSON, INC.
JONESBORO DRYER DIVISION
JONESBORO, GEORGIA

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
initiated on February 12, 2003 and filed by a company official
on behalf of workers at AstenJohnson, Jonesboro Dryer Division,
Jonesboro, Georgia. The workers produce dryer fabrics for the
paper industry.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined at the subject firm from 2001 to 2002.
The investigation also revealed that imports by the subject
firm increased during the relevant time period.
The preponderance in the declines in employment at the
subject plant is related to a shift in plant production of dryer
fabrics for the paper industry to a country (Canada) that is a
party to a free trade agreement with the United States.


















Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with those produced at
AstenJohnson, Jonesboro Dryer Division, Jonesboro, Georgia
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 AstenJohnson, Jonesboro Dryer Division,
Jonesboro, Georgia who became totally or partially
separated from employment on or after February 6, 2002
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 28th day of February 2003.


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