Newt Gingrich touts manufacturing during campaign stop at Jergens plant in Cleveland

CLEVELAND - Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich spoke to workers at the Jergens plant in Cleveland Wednesday morning during a campaign stop.

Following a tour of the plant, Gingrich said Jergens is a reminder that manufacturing can happen in America, and competition can happen anywhere. He touted tax policy changes that would allow for write-offs for new equipment, to ensure American workers are using the most modern technology when it comes to manufacturing.

The former House speaker did not directly mention GOP rivals Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum in his unusually short 12-minute remarks. He made only a passing reference to President Barack Obama. Gingrich restated his goal of giving workers the option of having private Social Security savings accounts.

Several dozen workers from the plant attended the private event.

Gingrich and his wife, Callista, campaigned in Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus Tuesday.

Ohio's primary will take place on Super Tuesday, March 6.

WEB EXTRA: Watch Gingrich’s full speech by clicking on the video player above (not available on mobile)