SPS Technologies plans to rebuild the century-old aerospace fasteners factory in Abington that burned down in February as a smaller, more automated facility, writes Joseph N. DiStefano for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Abington commissioner Matt Vahey approved of the plan.

“SPS wants to build to our current code, a lot further back from the street, with more green space,” he said.

Vahey added that resisting the plan could be counterproductive, potentially keeping the property in disrepair for years and opening the door to a future owner with a less desirable vision.

“We should be proud to have SPS in our backyard,” he said.

Commissioner John Spiegelman also expressed his support for the plan.

At the time of the fire, the plant had just under 500 employees. According to SPS officials, the rebuilt facility will employ around 200 workers, with automation and robotics replacing the destroyed equipment. The company may hire additional staff if it wins more contracts.

The future plant will feature a brick-and-glass facade and outdoor gathering areas, among other amenities.

“People driving past won’t know it is an aerospace plant,” said Dan Gear, vice president and general manager of SPS.

Read more about SPS Technologies’ plans for the future in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on MONTCO.Today in September 2025.