DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,143

POWERMATE CORPORATION
KEARNEY, NEBRASKA

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 April 7, 2008 in response to a
petition filed on behalf of workers of Powermate Corporation, Kearney,
Nebraska. The workers produce portable generators, air compressors,
and pressure washers. Workers are not separately identifiable by
product.
The investigation revealed that employment at the subject firm
decreased in 2007 compared with 2006, and declined absolutely when the
subject facility shut down in March 2008.
The investigation also revealed that the subject firm had an
increased reliance on imports of products like or directly competitive
products with portable generators in 2007 compared with 2006. It
continued to increase imports through March 2008, and these imports
contributed importantly to a decrease in production at the Kearney
facility.
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 portable generators, air compressors, and pressure
washers produced at Powermate Corporation, Kearney, Nebraska,
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 Powermate Corporation, Kearney, Nebraska, who
became totally or partially separated from employment on or
after April 4, 2007 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 May, 2008


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