Obama says Michigan battery plant groundbreaking lays foundation for economic growth

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Obama touts investment in Michigan battery plant

HOLLAND, Mich. — Seeking to boost economic spirits, President Barack Obama on Thursday hailed the construction of another car-battery plant as a symbol of a made-in-America rebound from desperate times.

Said the president to workers: “You are leading the way in showing how manufacturing jobs are coming right back here to the United States of America.”

Obama’s day-trip to Michigan sought to give attention to the electric vehicle battery industry — and to the White House’s effort to spur job creation in a growing field — with financial help from taxpayers. With millions of people still looking for work and frustrated, Obama is intent on showing steady progress.

“Our goal has never been to create a government program, but rather to unleash private-sector growth,” Obama said. “And we’re seeing results.”

The president spoke at a groundbreaking for a Compact Power plant, the ninth factory to begin construction with the help of economic stimulus money, in this case $2.4 billion. Obama stood on a platform in the middle of the work site, which at the moment remains a big area of mud and dirt, with shovels ready to go.

The plant is expected to ultimately employ 300 full-time workers, coming at a time when every new job is coveted.