DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-64,501

MASTERBRAND CABINETS, INC.
A SUBSIDIARY OF FORTUNE BRANDS, INC.
RICHMOND, INDIANA

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 21, 2008 in
response to a petition filed on behalf of the workers of
MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., a Subsidiary of Fortune Brand, Inc.,
Richmond, Indiana. The workers are engaged in activities related
to the production of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
The investigation revealed that employment and sales
declined at the subject facility during the relevant period.
The Department of Labor surveyed the subject firm's major
declining customer regarding purchases of kitchen and bathroom
cabinets in 2006, 2007 and January through November 2008 over
the corresponding 2007 period. The survey revealed increased
import purchases 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 the kitchen and bathroom
cabinets produced by MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., a Subsidiary of
Fortune Brand, Inc., Richmond, Indiana 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 MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc., a Subsidiary of
Fortune Brand, Inc., Richmond, Indiana who became totally
or partially separated from employment on or after October
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 10th day of February 2009

/s/ Elliott S. Kushner

______________________________
ELLIOTT S. KUSHNER
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance