PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) — The Vestas wind energy company plans to hire more than 100 workers to build towers while the industry recovers from a slump that has forced the layoff of hundreds of workers in Colorado.

The company said Wednesday it will retool its tower plant in Pueblo to fulfill new contracts that could use up to 25 per cent of the production capacity. The agreement is expected to create more than 100 jobs by the end of next month.

Vestas says the extension of the wind production tax credit was an important factor in securing the contracts.

Under the contracts, Vestas is not supplying blades or nacelles housing generators, which are other key components of a wind turbine.

Vestas reduced its Colorado workforce from 1,800 workers to 1,100 in 2012.