Montgomery County Leaders Welcome Rebuild of SPS Technologies a Year After Devastating Fire

Montgomery County officials are celebrating plans to rebuild SPS Technologies in Abington, roughly one year after a major fire destroyed the century-old aerospace fastener plant.

The county's Board of Commissioners discussed the project at its meeting on Thursday night. Commissioner Neil Makhija said all three commissioners had recently met with SPS leaders, including general manager Dan Gear and government relations head Dave Dugan. "It's great news that we are going to see the factory come back," Makhija said.

The blaze broke out in February 2025 and drew a massive response from 68 fire companies. It burned for days before crews finally extinguished the last embers, leaving the facility in ash and rubble.

Commissioners Jamila Winder and Tom DiBello thanked the first responders who brought the fire under control. DiBello pointed out that nobody was killed or injured. He said that reflected the professionalism of local fire departments and neighboring counties, which "worked as one huge united team."

In the aftermath, SPS laid off about 250 employees. In September 2025, the company outlined plans for a new two-story, 350,000-square-foot facility. Many residents have hoped for the return of the plant, which has long been a significant source of local jobs.

The new site will employ fewer people than the old one, however. Makhija described it as a state-of-the-art facility and said it will provide 250 jobs, compared with 500 previously, a reduction he attributed to automation.

The news comes alongside another economic development announcement for the county. On Wednesday, Johnson & Johnson said it plans to build a new $1 billion cell therapy plant in Lower Gwynedd Township. Gov. Josh Shapiro said the state made a strong push to bring the project to Pennsylvania.

Winder said it was remarkable to think that "the medicine of the future will be developed right here in Montgomery County." She called the project a reflection of the community's strength and said some of the world's most innovative companies have been choosing the county.