DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-51,959

FISKARS BRANDS, INC.
HOME LEISURE DIVISION
OPELIKA, ALABAMA

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated June 6, 2003 in response to a
petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at
Fiskars Brands, Inc., Home Leisure Division, Opelika, Alabama. The
workers at the subject firm produce foam pottery.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm decreased during the relevant
period.
The subject firm is transferring production of foam pottery to
China and will replace production at the Opelika plant with
imported pottery.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with foam pottery produced at Fiskars
Brands, Inc., Home Leisure Division, Opelika, Alabama 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 Fiskars Brands, Inc., Home Leisure Division,
Opelika, Alabama who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after May 29, 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."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 2nd day of July 2003

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