Media

By David Shepardson - Detroit News Washington Bureau - 2:42 pm

President Barack Obama traveled to Milwaukee Wednesday to urge companies to bring jobs back to the United States.

Obama spoke to workers at Master Lock, the largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products. The company has brought 100 jobs back to the United States, White House spokesman Jay Carney said.

In a statement released before his appearance at Master Lock, the White House praised Honda Motor Co.

The White House noted that the Japanese automaker is investing $98 million at its largest auto engine plant, which produces components for its new transmission technology. The Anna, Ohio, plant will make high-tech pulley components for the automaker's new continuously variable transmission, which is aimed at improving fuel efficiency.

The White House said Honda has committed to nearly $800 million in new U.S. investments and more than 1,200 new jobs across manufacturing operations in states such as Ohio, Alabama, and Indiana, since the beginning of 2011.

"Honda supports the administration's efforts to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector. As a company that is celebrating its 30th year of building cars in America, we know it is a great place to do business," said Edward Cohen, vice president of government and industry relations.

Last month, Obama irritated foreign automakers when the White House asked them to provide vehicles for the president to see at the Washington auto show and bring executives to meet with the president.

Shortly before Obama toured the show, foreign automakers were disinvited — and Obama didn't bother to look at any of the foreign vehicles. Instead, he looked at 18 vehicles made by Detroit's Big Three and met with executives from the U.S. companies.

Nancy McLernon, president & CEO of the Organization for International Investment, a Washington business association representing the U.S operations of global companies, noted that foreign companies are bringing jobs to the United States.

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The White House press release