DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-55,615

INNOVATIVE LEATHER TECHNOLOGIES
LIVONIA, MICHIGAN

TA-W-55,615A

INNOVATIVE LEATHER TECHNOLOGIES
CANTON, MICHIGAN

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 September 16, 2004, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Innovative
Leather Technologies, Livonia, Michigan (TA-W-55,615); and,
Innovative Leather Technologies, Canton, Michigan (TA-W-55,615A).
The workers at the Livonia facility processed and finished leather
for automobile seats and steering wheel covers. Workers at the
Canton facility were office workers and worked in shipping and
receiving in support of the Livonia facility.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined during the relevant period.
The Department conducted a survey of the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of leather in 2002, 2003, and
January through April 2004. The survey revealed that a respondent
increased its purchases of leather from other domestic firms wholly
manufactured in a foreign country while decreasing its purchases of
leather from the subject firm in January through April 2004
compared to the same period in 2003.
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
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 lace produced at Innovative
Leather Technologies, Livonia, Michigan (TA-W-55,615); and,
Innovative Leather Technologies, Canton, Michigan (TA-W-55,615A)
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 Innovative Leather Technologies, Livonia,
Michigan (TA-W-55,615); and, Innovative Leather
Technologies, Canton, Michigan (TA-W-55,615A) who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
September 13, 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 1st day of November, 2004.


/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance