DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

Findings of the Investigation

BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL

TA-W-58,234
HEARTHSTONE ENTERPRISES
CHARLESTON FORGE (MAIN PLANT)
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

TA-W-58,234A
HEARTHSTONE ENTERPRISES
CHARLESTON FORGE (PLANT 2)
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

TA-W-58,234B
HEARTHSTONE ENTERPRISES
CHARLESTON FORGE (PLANT 5)
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

Determination and Basis: Increased customer imports (C-2)

Previous Determination: N/A

Countries Impacting Workers: N/A

Number of Workers Affected:
TA-W-58,234 : 8 Plant 1 (main plant)
TA-W-58,234A: 2 Plant 2
TA-W-58,234B: 7 Plant 5
Total: 17

Total Number of Workers:
TA-W-58,234 : 88 Plant 1
TA-W-58,234A: 6 Plant 2
TA-W-58,234B: 29 Plant 5
Total: 123
Petitioner: Company Official

Product: Metal Household Furniture

SIC: 2514

RELEVANT DATES:
Institution Date: 10/31/05
Petition Date: 10/28/05
Impact Date: 10/28/04

File: S:/ONR/OADWTAAR/DTAA/WPDOCS/Case/T1/58234

Investigator: Kiara Burrell

Supporting Evidence

Hearthstone Enterprises, Charleston Forge Division, Plant 1 (Main
Plant), (TA-W-58,234), Plant 2 (TA-W-58,234A), and Plant 5 (TA-W-
58,234B), all in Boone, North Carolina are the subjects of this
investigation. The workers are vertically integrated and produce
metal household furniture as the final product; the workers are
separately identifiable by job function only.

NOTE: According to company official Jo Stewart, the three
facilities are vertically integrated. Plant 2 produces component
metal parts and plant 5 component wooden parts for the furniture.
These components are then sent to the main plant where the
furniture is assembled and finished.

During January through October 2005 employment at the Main plant
decreased by approximately 8 percent compared to January through
October 2004. During January through October 2005 employment at
Plant 2 did not decline when compared to 2004 and year to date
2004. During January through October 2005 employment at plant 5
decreased by approximately 19 percent compared to January through
October 2004.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-58,234
HEARTHSTONE ENTERPRISES
CHARLESTON FORGE MAIN PLANT (PLANT 1)
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

TA-W-58,234A
HEARTHSTONE ENTERPRISES
CHARLESTON FORGE (PLANT 2)
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

TA-W-58,234B
HEARTHSTONE ENTERPRISES
CHARLESTON FORGE (PLANT 5)
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

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 31, 2005 in
response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of
workers of Hearthstone Enterprises, Charleston Forge Division,
Plant 1 (Main Plant), Plant 2 and Plant 5, Boone, North Carolina.
The workers at the three plants are vertically integrated in the
production of metal household furniture.
Production and employment declined in January through October
2005 compared with January through October 2004.
The Department of Labor surveyed a sample of the subject
firm's major declining customers. The surveys revealed an increased
reliance on imports during the relevant period.
In addition, the value of aggregate United States imports of
metal furniture increased both in 2004 compared with 2003 and in
January through September, 2005, compared with the same period in
2004.
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 metal household furniture
produced at Hearthstone Enterprises, Charleston Forge Division,
Plant 1 (main plant), Plant 2 and Plant 5, Boone, North Carolina
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 Hearthstone Enterprises, Charleston Forge
Division, Plant 1 (main plant), Plant 2 and Plant 5, Boone,
North Carolina who became totally or partially separated from
employment on or after October 28, 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 1st day of December, 2005.

/s/ Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance