DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-62,624

STATE TOOL AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY
BENTON HARBOR, 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), 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 January 2, 2008, in
response to a petition filed on behalf of the workers of
State Tool and Manufacturing Company, Benton Harbor,
Michigan. The workers were engaged in the production of
drum light assemblies for clothes dryers (i.e. light
sockets, switches, wiring harnesses and electro mechanical
devices).
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment at the subject firm declined from 2006 through
2007.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's
declining customer regarding its purchases of drum light
assemblies for clothes dryers from full year 2006 through
full year 2007. The survey revealed increased import
purchases during 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 drum light
assemblies for clothes dryers produced by State Tool and
Manufacturing Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan, 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 State Tool and Manufacturing Company,
Benton Harbor, Michigan, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after
December 20, 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 7th day of February, 2008



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