Barack Obama spoke at an Ohio plant that manufactures small parts used in wind turbines, to build support for his economic stimulus plan. He told the small company of about 65 workers that the U.S. is in the middle of crisis unlike any “in our lifetime.”

“Renewable energy isn’t something pie-in-the-sky,” Obama said. “It’s not part of a far-off future. It’s happening all across America right now. With all the bad news going on out there, with all the news of jobs lost and businesses shuttered, jobs were created right here.”

Obama toured Cardinal Fastener, who began building wind turbine parts just two years ago and was chosen to highlight two aspects of his policy: creating U.S.-based manufacturing jobs and investing in alternative energy sources.

“It’s not too late to change course, but only if we take dramatic action as soon as possible,” Obama said. “We’re looking to create good jobs that pay well and won’t be shipped overseas.”