DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,279

ATCHISON PRODUCTS INCORPORATED
ATCHISON, KANSAS

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade 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 October 17, 2003 in
response to a petition filed by company official on behalf of
workers of Atchison Products Inc., Atchison, Kansas. Workers
produced totebags, backpacks, attaches, and luggage.
The investigation revealed that production and employment of
production workers decreased in January-September 2003 compared to
the same period in 2002.
The company has shifted a large portion of production from the
subject facility to foreign facilities over the last year to supply
U.S. customers. Imports increased in January-September 2003
compared to the same period in 2002.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of
eligibility to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance
(ATAA) for older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or
over and possess skills that are not easily transferable.
Competitive conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with totebags, backpacks, attaches and
luggage produced at Atchison Products Inc., Atchison, Kansas
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 Atchison Products Inc., Atchison, Kansas who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after September 30, 2002 through two years from the date of
certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assis-
tance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, and are
also eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment
assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C., this 18th day of November 2003

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