An increase in home sales and home remodeling projects has prompted Sub-Zero/Wolf to add a second production shift at its factories producing high-end appliances in Fitchburg and Phoenix.

The company said Wednesday it has hired back 165 workers in Wisconsin and 40 in Arizona who were laid off earlier this year. They are needed to meet the increased demand for its "luxury" refrigerators, freezers and wine storage units, the company said.

Another 60 people are to be hired for salaried positions over the next six months. All the hourly employees will be back on the job by November, the company said.

"We're cautiously optimistic that the industry and the economy will continue to recover," said Chuck Verri, vice president for human resources, "and so we've positioned ourselves to rebound quickly as we come out of this recessionary period."

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