DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Employment and Training Administration
TA-W-40,986
FDB, INC.
LINCOLNTON, GEROGIA

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 on March 11, 2002, and filed
by the company on behalf of workers at FDB, Inc., Lincolnton,
Georgia. The workers produced men's and ladies' jackets.
The investigation revealed that sales, production and
employment declined during the relevant periods.




The U. S. Department of Labor conducted a survey of major
customers of the subject firm regarding their purchases of men's
and ladies' jackets. The survey revealed that customers are
increasingly relying on purchases of men's and ladies' jackets
from abroad.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the investi-
gation, I conclude that increases of imports of articles like or
directly competitive with men's and ladies' jackets produced at
FDB, Inc., Lincolnton, Georgia, contributed importantly to the
decline in sales or production and to the total or partial
separation of workers of the subject firm. In accordance with
the provisions of the Act, I make the following certification:
"All workers of FDB, Inc., Lincolnton, Georgia, who became
totally or partially separated from employment on or after
January 30, 2001, 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 in Washington, D. C. this 25th day of March, 2002.


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