SPS Technologies Unveils Plans For State-Of-Art Facility

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — SPS Technologies unveiled its plans to replace the 600,000-square-foot building that was destroyed in a massive fire in mid-February.

At a community meeting on Thursday night, company officials said its new state-of-the-art aerospace facility on Highland Avenue will be a little more than half the size of the original building.

During that meeting, SPS Technologies also revealed the cause of the fire.

SPS Technologies said the facility is intended to be operational in 2028 and will be about 350,000 square feet, including office space.

The complex will be designed not only to meet all applicable building, safety, and environmental codes, but also to attain LEED certification, which includes incorporating solar panels and other green features for enhanced resource conservation and ecological sustainability, officials said.

Facility operations will include environmental controls for the protection of air, water and soil, officials said.

SPS Technologies' team members will use the latest technology and automation to manufacture its industry-leading fasteners used in aerospace and other industries worldwide.

Officials said more information and details will be shared in the coming months.

One resident who attended the meeting Thursday night to see the new design plans posted on Facebook that she was "impressed with the presentation."

"I believe they are going to build a state-of-the-art facility that adheres to the highest standard of safety and building codes," the resident said. "They said they wanted to be a better neighbor, and I plan to hold them to that."

SPS Technologies officials said the fire sparked on Feb. 17 as 60 employees were working in the factory for the company that produces aerospace fasteners and fittings. No employees were injured, and everyone was able to evacuate.

The company told those gathered at the meeting that 80 percent of the building was destroyed, township officials said. Dozens of residents and officials attended the meeting at Abington Middle School.