DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,106

SEIKO OPTICAL PRODUCTS OF AMERICA, INC.
PENTAX VISION DIVISION
STOCK COATING DEPARTMENT
HOPKINS, MINNESOTA

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 October 11, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a state representative on behalf of
workers at Seiko Optical Products of America, Inc., Pentax Vision
Division, Hopkins, Minnesota. The workers produce anti-reflective
coated ophthalmic lenses.
The investigation revealed the employment and production at
Seiko Optical Products of America, Inc., Pentax Vision Division,
Stock Coating Department, Hopkins, Minnesota, declined in January
through September 2005, when compared with the same time period of
the previous year.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm increased
imports of anti-reflective coated ophthalmic lenses during the
relevant period.
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 anti-reflective coated ophthalmic
lenses produced by Seiko Optical Products of America, Inc., Pentax
Vision Division, Stock Coating Department, Hopkins, Minnesota
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:
"Workers of Seiko Optical Products of America, Inc., Pentax
Vision Division, Stock Coating Department, Hopkins, Minnesota
who became totally or partially separated from employment on
or after October 7, 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 3rd day of November 2005

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