CEO: Stimulus Part Of Reason Workers Rehired

The makers of energy-efficient home products have received a boost from the White House stimulus package.

Bayport, Minn.-based Andersen Corp., which makes energy-efficient windows and doors, recently rehired 180 of 560 workers laid off in January.

Andersen CEO Jim Humphrey says the stimulus plan was part of the reason for the decision.

"I don't think we're quite ready to say the uptick was due solely to the energy tax credit, but I do believe it had an impact," he says.

Humphrey attributes three factors to the decision: the seasonal nature of the business, the company's own actions, and the stimulus package.

"What we're trying to do is to find ways to exposing the consumer to this opportunity, which we think is an extremely good way of enhancing the value of their home, cutting down on their heating and cooling bills and also doing the right thing and conserving energy for us as a country," Humphrey says.