The Spanish wind-turbine manufacturer Gamesa plans to furlough 73 workers at its Cambria County plant later this year.
 
Gamesa officials are hopeful the September furloughs will last only about 10 weeks or so.
 
The Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown reports that lower demand for windmill blades made at the factory is the reason for the furloughs, as well as the expiration of the federal American Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit, which helps wind farm developers. Gamesa officials hope to recall the workers if the tax credit is extended.
 
Gamesa says the plant, which opened in 2006, will focus on making blades for foreign wind farms unless and until the U.S. tax credit is extended.
 
The furloughs will affect about 30 percent of the employees at the plant.