DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,221

HICKORY HARDWARE/BELWITH INTERNATIONAL
A SUBSIDIARY OF FKI, PLC
GRANDVILLE, 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), 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 2, 2007 and filed by a company official on behalf
of workers of Hickory Hardware/Belwith International, a subsidiary
of FKI, PLC, Grandville, Michigan. The workers were engaged in
support activities related to the production of decorative
furniture hardware and storm door hardware.
The investigation revealed that the subject firm experienced
employment declines during the relevant period.
The investigation further revealed that the subject firm is in
direct support of affiliated facilities who received certification
of eligibility for trade adjustment assistance. The certification
was based on increased imports of decorative furniture hardware and
storm door hardware.
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 addition, 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 decorative furniture hardware and
storm door hardware produced by affiliated facilities, 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 Hickory Hardware/Belwith International, a
subsidiary of FKI, PLC, Grandville, Michigan, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
April 1, 2006, 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 15th day of May, 2007.


/s/Elliott S. Kushner
______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance