Chris Scafario, President and CEO of DVIRC, joins Off the Record for a conversation about the resurgence of American manufacturing and the urgent need to rebuild the nation’s industrial base.
The discussion explores the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing, including the revitalization of America’s maritime and shipbuilding industries, the growing importance of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and Pennsylvania’s role in critical defense supply chains.
Chris also discusses emerging opportunities across advanced manufacturing, life sciences, energy, data centers, food production, and the rapidly growing space economy. The conversation examines the workforce, technology, infrastructure, supply chain, and investment needed to strengthen domestic manufacturing and support long-term economic growth and national security.
The episode also previews DVIRC’s Reimagine Manufacturing 2026, taking place October 9 at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia. The event will bring together leaders from manufacturing, technology, defense, economic development, and other critical industries to explore the future of America’s industrial base.
Topics include:
- The resurgence of American manufacturing
- Rebuilding U.S. shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base
- AUKUS and the importance of defense manufacturing
- Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s role in advanced manufacturing
- Manufacturing workforce development
- Energy infrastructure and the growing demand for power
- Data centers and advanced technology
- Life sciences and food manufacturing
- The emerging space industrial base
- Critical supply chains and domestic production
- Reimagine Manufacturing 2026
- Chris Scafario’s upcoming book, Strength Is Manufactured