Impact of SPS fire on local economy and the industry

SPS laid off approximately 250 employees in the aftermath of the incident — many of whom had worked there for more than two decades, sparking outrage from local officials.

The future of the company remaining in Jenkintown was once in doubt. Montgomery County officials from across the political spectrum, including U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pennsylvania, advocated for the business to stay. Her father-in-law previously worked at the site during World War II, when the facility, Gear said, manufactured bullets.

“It’s a real part of the fabric of the community,” said Abington Commissioner Matthew Vahey, who supports the return of SPS Technologies. “And people were concerned emotionally, almost, that they would lose that part of the history. They’re also a huge contributor to the economy.”

“They used to employ 500 people, and hopefully we’ll get back to that level, and those people support our local businesses in Keswick Village and the greater Abington community, so they’re part of the fabric,” Vahey said. “And I think everyone’s relieved to hear that they’re staying.”

Gear said the aircraft community reached out to help when the situation looked grim. The night after the fire, General Electric called SPS executives to provide help. General Electric then paid for a 20,000-square-foot tent that was erected on the site a week later.

Since May, Gear said the company has been working in a temporary, limited fashion to restart its manufacturing process at a facility in Langhorne. But the company has been yearning for a return home.

“We cannot forget the roots of where we came from,” Gear said. The company saved bricks from the original building to use in the facade of the new facility as “a nod to the past,” he added.

Demolition is ongoing at the former SPS Technologies plant at 301 Highland Ave., Jenkintown. The company unveiled plans to rebuild on Sept. 25, 2025. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)

SPS is planning to buy all new equipment, install downlighting and establish a mini-museum honoring the history of the plant, Gear said.

Residents welcomed the continued presence of a major employer.

“They’re good neighbors,” said Jay Shire, 68, of Glenside, whose son, son-in-law and stepson are employed by SPS. “From what I understand, after all this … the water has been tested, the air has been tested, everything’s been pretty clean, so I’m hoping they build again.”