Praising the security manufacturer on its move to in-source jobs back to the United States from China, the US President dropped in for a tour of the firm's Milwaukee manufacturing plant last week.
During his visit on Wednesday, February 15, President Obama praised commended Master Lock for "making the most of a huge opportunity" to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and cited the company as "a proud example of what can happen."

Since 2010, Master Lock has brought back approximately 100 jobs to its Milwaukee factory.

The manufacturer explained that its decision to bring jobs back to the US was partially motivated by increasing labour and logistics costs in Asia, as well as problems with finding available labour, especially in the coastal areas of China. However, it found that the advantages of moving the jobs back included a more competitive overall cost structure, greater control and the ability to provide better service to its customers.

Master Lock ceo John Heppner said the company would like to bring more jobs back from overseas, should the underlying economics support the move.

"Leveraging our expertise in automation and lean manufacturing principles, we will continue to explore opportunities to improve efficiencies and productivity."

Mr Heppner added: "It was an honour to host President Obama in Milwaukee today and to give him a first-hand look at the jobs that Master Lock has returned to the U.S."