DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,647

STILLWATER FOREST PRODUCTS
KALISPELL, MONTANA

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 25, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Stillwater Forest Products, Kalispell, Montana. The
workers at the subject facility produce finger jointed studs.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm's sales and
production decreased in terms of quantity in 2004 compared to 2003,
and sales and production decreased in terms of both quantity and
value in January of 2005 compared to January of 2004. The Kalispell
facility shut down February 25, 2005.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
customers regarding their purchases of finger jointed studs in
2003-2004 and January through February, 2004-2005. The survey
revealed increases in imports accompanied by reduced purchases from
the subject firm during the period under investigation.
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 finger jointed studs produced at
Stillwater Forest Products, Kalispell, Montana 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 Stillwater Forest Products, Kalispell, Montana
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after February 23, 2004 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 31st day of March 2005.

/s/ Richard Church

______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance