DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,407

NORTHERN TOOL
FKA KNEELAND INDUSTRIES
A DIVISION OF STAR CUTTER COMPANY
MIO, 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 November 13, 2008 in
response to a petition filed by the Michigan Workforce Development
Agency on behalf of workers of Northern Tool, fka Kneeland
Industries, a division of Star Cutter Company, Mio, Michigan.
Workers at the subject firm produced PCD reamers, solid carbide
tools and pressure coolant reamers.
The investigation also revealed that employment, sales,
production and declined during the relevant period.
The United States Department of Labor surveyed the subject
firm's major declining customers regarding their purchases of PCD
reamers, solid carbide tools and pressure coolant reamers in 2006,
2007, January through November 2007 and January through November
2008. The survey revealed increased imports of PCD reamers, solid
carbide tools and pressure coolant reamers 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 PCD reamers, solid carbide tools
and pressure coolant reamers manufactured by Northern Tool, fka
Kneeland Industries, a division of Star Cutter Company, Mio,
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 Northern Tool, fka Kneeland Industries, a
division of Star Cutter Company, Mio, Michigan who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
November 10, 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 March 2009.



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