FAQs
UPDATED: April 23, 2025
What does the facility manufacture?
PCC Fasteners – SPS Jenkintown specializes in the design and manufacture of high strength nuts, bolts, and associated products, primarily for aerospace applications.
What Happened
What was the cause of this fire?
We are not certain at this point. An investgation into the cause of the incident is in process.
Were there any injuries among employees?
No. Thankfully, our employees working at the time of the fire are safe and well – this is a testament to the plant leadership team’s commitment to safety and their partnership with local first responders. We truly appreciate the efforts of the emergency services and first responders, who ensured that every person at the plant was safely evacuated as they safely addressed the fire.
Why was the sprinkler system inoperable?
The fire suppression system was under repair due to a ruptured water main. SPS promptly notified the fire department and other relevant parties after learning of the water main break. Upon approval of the fire marshall, SPS had implemented alternate fire prevention protocols (e.g., fire watches and ceasing “hot work”) pending completion of the repair.
What chemicals may have been released during the fire?
Fortunately, the main storage area for chemicals was not impacted and the bulk chemicals from those areas were removed from the site on February 21, 2025, by environmental response experts. For information on chemicals used in processing operations, please visit the “SPS Process Overview” section.
Community Safety
Are you still monitoring for air and water safety?
SPS has been monitoring both air and surface water in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Philadelphia Water Department. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Philadelphia Water Department has determined that drinking water supplies are fine to consume and air monitoring has shown no chemical detections that would represent a public health risk.
SPS currently has nine (9) air monitors – with six (6) near the facility and the remainder thoughout the nearby communities.
Presently, SPS is conducting surface water sampling weekly. Beginning in late May, SPS will only sample permitted outflows during rain events.
What are the risks of asbestos exposure from the fire?
SPS has tested samples of debris from the site and nearby areas, and the debris sampled to date has been confirmed to be non-asbestos containing materials. PADEP and SPS have also sampled soils in the community for asbestos and have not detected any asbestos in those samples. Despite these results, SPS is proceeding carefully in clean up activities.
Was anyone nearby exposed to toxic chemicals during or after the fire?
Air monitoring has shown no chemical detections that would represent a public health risk.
Has there been any clean-up in the neighborhoods?
SPS has conducted extensive debris removal from yards and roofs/gutters.
Future of Plant/Employees
Do you plan on rebuilding the plant?
We are assessing the situation and expect to make a determination in the coming months.
Are you still paying employees and providing health coverage?
We are continuing to pay employees at least through May 18, 2025 and provide benefits at least through May 31st, while we assess damage and plan for the future.
We announced on March 14, 2025 that approximately 250 members of our team will separate from SPS Technologies after May 18th. All direct employees of SPS Technologies, LLC in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania (the “Company”) who are laid off on Sunday, May 18, 2025, will be offered a separation pay package in a Separation Agreement and Release.
The separation pay package being offered, includes:
• one week of pay per year of service (minimum of 2 weeks, maximum of 26 weeks); and
• one month of COBRA premium reimbursement for medical and dental benefits, if enrolled. The COBRA premium reimbursement will be grossed up for taxes.