DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-52,144

HOMECREST INDUSTRIES, INC.
WADENA, 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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on June 26, 2003 in response
to a petition filed by the Minnesota Department of Economic
Security on behalf of workers of Homecrest Industries, Inc.,
Wadena, Minnesota. The workers are engaged in the production of
steel and aluminum casual furniture.



The investigation revealed that workers at the subject company
have been separated from employment and that sales at the subject
company declined significantly during the relevant time period.
Aggregate U.S. imports of metal household furniture increased
in 2002 from 2001.
The U.S. Department of Labor surveyed major customers of the
subject firm regarding their purchases of steel and aluminum
furniture during 2001, 2002 and January through July 2002-2003.
The survey revealed customers are decreasing purchases from the
subject firm while significantly increasing imports during the
relevant periods.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with steel and aluminum casual
furniture produced at Homecrest Industries, Inc., Wadena, Minnesota
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 Homecrest Industries, Inc., Wadena, Minnesota
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after June 25, 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 16th day of July 2003

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