DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-54,477

SIMONDS INTERNATIONAL
KIRKLAND WASHINGTON DIVISION
IKS, INC. AND IKS NEWCO, INC.
KIRKLAND, WASHINGTON

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)(B) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated March 11, 2004 in response to
a petition filed by Teamsters Local 117, affiliated with the
International Brotherhood of Teamsters, on behalf of the workers at
Simonds International, Kirkland, Washington Division, Kirkland,
Washington. The workers at the subject facility produce
industrial/commercial circular saw blades.
The investigation found that some of the workers wages may
have been reported under the Federal Employer Identification
numbers for IKS NEWCO, INC. and IKS, INC.
The investigation revealed that employment declined during the
period under investigation.
A shift in production of industrial/commercial circular saw
blades from the subject facility to a country (Canada) which is a
party to a free trade agreement with the United States, to the
Czech Republic, and to another domestic facility were the
predominant factors in the decline in employment at the subject
firm.
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 there was a shift in production
from the workers' facility or subdivision to Canada of articles
that are like or directly competitive with those produced by the
subject facility or subdivision. In accordance with the provisions
of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Simonds International, Kirkland Washington
Division, IKS Newco, Inc., IKS, Inc., Kirkland, Washington,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after March 10, 2003, 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 11th day of May 2004.
/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance