DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-53,733
THE COLEMAN COMPANY INCORPORATED
WICHITA, KANSAS

TA-W-53,733A
THE COLEMAN COMPANY INCORPORATED
MAIZE, KANSAS

TA-W-53,733B
THE COLEMAN COMPANY INCORPORATED
LAKE CITY, SOUTH CAROLINA

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 December 8, 2003 in response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of The Coleman Company, Inc., Wichita, Kansas (TA-W-53,733); Maize, Kansas (TA-W-53,733A); and Lake City, South Carolina (TA-W-53,733B). Workers at Wichita produced propane appliances. Workers at Maize produced machined parts for propane appliances. Workers at Lake City produced sleeping bags.
Wichita, Kansas
The investigation revealed that sales and production worker employment decreased in 2002 compared to 2001 and in January-November 2003 compared to the same period in 2002.
Company imports of propane appliances increased absolutely and relative to sales in 2002 compared to 2001 and also increased in January-November 2003 compared to the same period in 2002.
Maize, Kansas
The investigation revealed that workers at the Maize plant produced machined parts used in the assembly of propane appliances at the company’s Wichita, Kansas plant.
Production worker employment decreased in 2002 compared to 2001. Separations in 2004 are anticipated.
Lake City, South Carolina
The investigation revealed that sales, production and production worker employment decreased in 2002 compared to 2001 and also decreased in January-November 2003 compared to the same period in 2002.
Company imports of sleeping bags increased in 2002 compared to 2001 and in further increased in January-November 2003 compared with 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 propane appliances and sleeping bags produced at The Coleman Company, Inc., Wichita, Kansas; The Coleman Company, Inc., Maize, Kansas; and, The Coleman Company, Inc., Lake City, South Carolina 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 The Coleman Company, Inc., Wichita, Kansas (TA-W-53,733); The Coleman Company, Inc., Maize, Kansas (TA-W-53,733A); and The Coleman Company, Inc., Lake City, South Carolina (TA-W-53,733B) who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after December 5, 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, 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 9th day of January 2004.

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