DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-63,614

BENMATT INDUSTRIES
A SUBSIDIARY OF LAFRANCE CORPORATION
FEDERALSBURG, MARYLAND

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 June 27, 2008 in response
to a petition filed by a state representative on behalf of workers
of Benmatt Industries, a subsidiary of LaFrance Corporation,
Federalsburg, Maryland. The workers produce zinc license plate
frames for promotional use.
The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm decreased in January through May 2008 compared to the
same period in 2007.
The investigation also revealed the subject firm increased
reliance on imports of zinc license plate frames during the
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 zinc license plate frames
produced by Benmatt Industries, a subsidiary of LaFrance
Corporation, Federalsburg, Maryland, 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 Benmatt Industries, a subsidiary of LaFrance
Corporation, Federalsburg, Maryland, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after June 26, 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 3rd day of July 2008


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