Vestas Not Saying If Workers Will be Re-Hired

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas isn't saying whether any of its laid-off Colorado workers will get their jobs back now that Congress has extended a wind tax credit.

The measure approved Tuesday night to break the fiscal cliff standoff also helps wind energy and ethanol producers by extending tax credits, most of which expired Monday.

Vestas reduced its U.S. workforce by 20 percent in 2012 in part due to the uncertainty of the tax credit.

A spokesman says the company doesn't speculate on future employment figures, but the extension is critical to ensure the projects move forward and orders are placed that support U.S. manufacturing. He said the industry will be stronger due to the extension.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports that Vestas cut its Colorado workforce from 1,800 to 1,100 in 2012.

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