In a visit to the massive Intel construction site in Chandler Wednesday, President Barack Obama highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing and stressed the growing need for engineers and math and science education.

The visit provided both the President and Intel an opportunity to showcase the $5 billion investment in Fab 42, a chip manufacturing facility, now employing thousands of construction workers and expected to employ about 1,000 permanent workers beginning in 2013.

According to Intel, Fab 42 will be the most advanced high-volume semiconductor manufacturing plant in the world. The chipmaker employs about 55,000 workers in the U.S. and more than 100,000 worldwide. Intel Arizona is the company’s second largest U.S. site with 10,300 employees.

“The factory here is a symbol of an America that is within our reach,” President Obama said, noting that the construction is using the world’s largest land-based crane and the new plant will produce more powerful and efficient computer chips “that power everything from your smartphone to your laptop to your car. As an American, I'm proud of companies like Intel, who create jobs here. We all are.”

The President praised Intel for its support of math and science education, then acknowledged the current skills dilemma that has left many engineering positions unfilled. “For young people, thinking about a profession, think about engineering,“ he said. “ We are going to need more engineers all over the country.”