DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-40,107

CONTINENTAL ACCESSORIES, INC.
NORTH STURGIS, MICHIGAN

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
eligibility 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 in response to a petition
received on September 28, 2001, and filed on behalf of workers at
Continental Accessories, Inc., North Sturgis, Michigan. The
workers produced aftermarket automotive accessories, including
running boards, toolboxes, and tailgate protectors. Workers of the
subject firm are not separately identifiable by product line.


The investigation revealed that sales and employment at the
subject firm declined absolutely from January through August of
2001 when compared with the same period in 2000. The subject firm
ceased production in September of 2001.
A Department of Labor survey of the subject firm's customers
revealed increases in imports of aftermarket automotive
accessories, including running boards, toolboxes, and tailgate
protectors.
A petition for eligibility to apply for NAFTA-Transitional
Adjustment Assistance has been filed on behalf of workers at the
subject firm (NAFTA-5338).
















Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with automotive accessories, including
running boards, toolboxes, and tailgate protectors produced at
Continental Accessories, Inc., North Sturgis, Michigan, contributed
importantly to the decline in sales or production and to the total
or partial separation of workers of that firm. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of Continental Accessories, Inc., North Sturgis,
Michigan engaged in employment related to the production of
aftermarket automotive accessories, including running boards,
toolboxes, and tailgate protectors, who became totally or
partially separated from employment on or after September 7,
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 24th day of May, 2002.



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