Fire reported at aircraft fastener maker's factory in Pennsylvania, authorities say (updated)
18/02/2025 16:15
(Adds comment from supplier Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing)
Feb 18 (Reuters) - A large fire broke out at a
Pennsylvania factory that makes fasteners for aircraft, but no
injuries were reported, authorities said on Tuesday.
The fire was reported at a commercial building of SPS
Technologies in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, according to the
police.
The Abington Township Police Department said there was an
explosion within the building and flames could be seen inside
the warehouse structure, citing statements from witnesses.
One industry source said the fire at SPS is significant for
the aerospace supply chain since the company is an important
producer of fasteners for aircraft, including Boeing’s 787.
Supply chain challenges have weighed on efforts by Boeing and
rival Airbus to ramp up plane production to meet strong airline
demand.
SPS Technologies, which is part of Berkshire Hathaway-owned
Precision Castparts, makes fasteners and other parts for the
aerospace and automotive industries, according to its LinkedIn
page.
Precision Castparts did not immediately respond to a Reuters
request for a comment.
A Boeing spokesperson said the planemaker is aware of the
fire and is in touch with the supplier. Airbus was not
immediately available for comment.
"We’re heartened to hear that no injuries are reported
in the fire in Pennsylvania," said Joe Buccino, a spokesperson
for aerostructures giant Spirit AeroSystems. "We do not
anticipate immediate disruption to Spirit’s operations."
Police added that a shelter-in-place order was in effect for
nearby areas.
(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru and Allison Lampert
in Montreal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Franklin Paul)
((mailto:AngelaChristy.M@thomsonreuters.com;))