[Federal Register: April 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 80)] [Notices] [Page 22650] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr27ap99-87] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-35,347] National Fruit Products Company, Inc., Kent City, Michigan; Notice of Negative Determination on Reconsideration On February 16, 1999, the Department issued an Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration for the workers and former workers of the subject firm. The petitioners presented evidence that the customer survey was incomplete. The notice was published in the Federal Register on February 25, 1999 (64 FR 9357). The Department initially denied TAA to workers of National Fruit Products Company, Inc. because the ``contributed importantly'' group eligibility requirement of Section 222(3) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, was not met. The investigation revealed that aggregate U.S. imports of articles like or directly competitive with the apple products processed at the Kent City, Michigan plant declined in January through October 1998 compared to January through October 1997. The subject firm shifted production of processed apple products from Kent City, Michigan to another domestic facility. Fiscal year sales and production of processed apple products at Kent City increased in 1998 compared to 1997. On reconsideration, the investigation revealed that corporate-wide sales increased during the same time period. Therefore, a customer survey would serve no purpose. Declines in employment at the subject plant are primarily attributed to the company's decision to transfer production from Kent City, Michigan to another domestic facility. Conclusion After reconsideration, I affirm the original notice of negative determination of eligibility to apply for worker adjustment assistance for workers and former workers of National Fruit Products Company, Inc., Kent City, Michigan, under section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974. Signed at Washington, DC, this 31st day of March 1999. Grant D. Beale, Acting Director, Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. 99-10478 Filed 4-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-M