DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-39,251

R & N CHINA CO., INC.
CARROLLTON, OHIO

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance


In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC 2273) as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (P. L. 100-418), the Department of Labor herein presents the results of an investigation regarding certification of eligi-bility to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance, each of the group eligibility requirements of Section 222 of the Act must be met. It is determined in this case that all of the requirements have been met.
The investigation was initiated on May 14, 2001 in response to a petition filed by a company official on behalf of workers at R & N China Co., Inc., Carrollton, Ohio. Workers were engaged in producing decorated ceramic and porcelain gift items.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and employment declined to zero in April 2001 when the subject firm closed permanently.
The U.S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major customers of R & N China Co., Inc., regarding their purchases of decorated ceramic and porcelain products in 1999, 2000, and the first-quarter 2001. The survey revealed that respondents reported importing ceramic and porcelain products while decreasing purchases from the subject firm during the relevant time period.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or directly competitive with the decorated ceramic and por-celain gift items produced by R & N China Co., Inc., Carrollton, Ohio, contributed importantly to the decline in sales or production and to the total or partial separation of workers of those firms. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of R & N China Co., Inc., Carrollton, Ohio, who were engaged in the production of decorated ceramic and por-celain gift items, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after May 2, 2000, through two years from the date of certification are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974."

Signed at Washington, D.C., this 15th day of November, 2001.


______________________________
LINDA G. POOLE
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance