The president visits the Badger State, talking about green energy jobs.
President Barack Obama toured ZBB Energy in Menomonee Falls, a company that designs and manufactures batteries and fuel cells for renewable energy. Obama says the Milwaukee-area plant does more than just make high-tech batteries. He says ZBB is a good example of how to bring manufacturing jobs back to the state. “For years we’ve heard about manufacturing jobs disappearing overseas. Well companies like this are showing us how manufacturing can come back right here to the United States of America, right back here to Wisconsin.”
Obama says just a few years ago American businesses could make only two-percent of the world’s advance batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. But he says, that’s quickly changing. In just a few years, we’ll have up to 40-percent of the world’s capacity.
Obama cites ZBB as an example of taking the lead in this industry. He says he’s determined to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US, and he wants to see more products of the near future stamped “Made in America.” “So ZBB you’re part of that process. You guys are at the cutting edge. You’re how we’re going to strengthen this economy.”
Obama says ZBB represents the country’s future in renewable energy. He says when the chips are down, it’s always a mistake to bet against the American worker.
NOTE: Obama also made a campaign stop for Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. Monday’s visit was Obama’s fourth to Wisconsin as president.