DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,540

SANTENS OF AMERICA
A SUBSIDIARY OF SANTENS NV
INCLUDING ON-SITE LEASED WORKERS FROM DEFENDER AND
UPSTATE STAFFING
ANDERSON, SOUTH 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 May 18, 2007 in response to
a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers of
Santens of America, A subsidiary of Santens NV, Anderson, South
Carolina. The workers produce towels and wash cloths.
This investigation revealed Santens of America also leased
workers from Defender and Upstate Staffing.
The investigation revealed that in the full year period of 2006
compared to 2005 the subject firm increased import purchases while
experiencing a decrease in employment and production.
The investigation also revealed that from 2005 to 2006,
aggregate United States imports of finished towels increased
absolutely and relative to domestic shipments. The import/shipment
ratio exceeded 100 percent in both years.
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 towels and wash cloths produced
by Santens of America, A subsidiary of Santens NV, Anderson, South
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 Santens of America, A subsidiary of Santens
NV, Anderson, South Carolina, including on-site leased workers
from Defender and Upstate Staffing, who become totally or
partially separated from employment on or after May 16, 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 31st day of May 2007

/s/ Linda G. Poole

______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance