DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,173

LAURI TOYS INC
AVON, MAINE

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), 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 February 5, 2004 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Lauri Toys Inc., Avon, Maine. The workers produced
educational toys and games, and are not separately identifiable
by specific product line.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment
declined in January to November 2003 compared with the same
period of 2002. The subject facility closed on March 12, 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject facility's
major customers regarding their purchases of educational games
and toys in 2001 through 2003. This survey revealed increases
in imports during the period under investigation.
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 facility 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 educational toys and games
produced at Lauri Toys Inc., Avon, Maine, contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production at that facility or
subdivision. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I
make the following certification:


"All workers of Lauri Toys Inc., Avon, Maine, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
January 26, 2003 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 6th day of April, 2004.

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