DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-56,909

SCEPTER HARDWOODS, INC.
SPARTA, TENNESSEE

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 in response to a petition
received on April 7, 2005 and filed by a company official on behalf
of workers at Scepter Hardwoods, Inc., Sparta, Tennessee. The
workers produce hardwood components for furniture and kitchen
cabinets, more specifically drawer boxes, face frames, doors, and
panels.
The investigation also revealed that sales and employment
declined from 2003 to 2004 and also declined in January through
March 2005 over the corresponding 2004 period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firms' major
customers regarding their hardwood components for furniture and
kitchen cabinets in 2003, 2004 and January through March 2005. The
survey revealed that customers increased their reliance on imports
of hardwood components for furniture and kitchen cabinets 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 conclude that increases of imports of hardwood
components produced by Scepter Hardwoods, Inc., Sparta, Tennessee
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 Scepter Hardwoods, Inc., Sparta, Tennessee,
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after March 31, 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 13th day of May, 2005.

/s/ Linda G. Poole
______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance