Resident creates change.org petition to ensure SPS Technologies does not rebuild in Abington/Jenkintown

A resident who lives less than a half mile away from the SPS Technologies fire that devastated the community wants to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. 

The author of the change.org petition – PREVENT Rebuilding of SPS Technologies in Abington, PA – is pleading with other residents to sign the digital pact to ensure that SPS Technologies does not rebuild its factory at the site of the fire that occurred on Feb. 17, 2025. 

“Our community is primarily residential, where we raise our children and plan for our futures,” the author wrote. “The thought of having a potential hazard such as SPS Technologies rebuilt here is unthinkable.” 

According to the author, “The fire at SPS Technologies was a clear testimony to the risk it poses, and such risk is unacceptable in any residential area.”

The author listed multiple reasons why he is concerned if they rebuild on the current property” 

• Since Precision Castparts bought SPS in 2015, the factory hasn't been caring for the community as it once was, with drastically reduced safety regulations, and slashed employee and community cooperation and care
• SPS has been fined for improperly storing hazardous waste and fined over $100,000
• SPS’ sprinkler systems were not working at the time of the explosion/fire and their fire brigade had disbanded.
• This is not the first fire that SPS has had, the others have just been smaller.
• SPS was created in the early 1900s before the area was so highly residential. It would never be built where it currently is today.
• SPS houses toxic chemicals. These have been found at SPS in the stream and exterior of the building, one of many EPA fines.
  
  

“Our local and state representatives must hear and heed our plea,” the author wrote. “We need to ensure that every safeguard is put in place to protect our community. We do not want SPS Technologies rebuilt in our highly residential area.

“Half of SPS's employees were let go just a month after the fire with only 4 weeks severance,” the author added. “As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway we know they can do better! We don't need their factory HERE, put it where our neighborhood is safe and their employees are well taken care of and don't have to wait 4 years for remediation and rebuild.”

Adding to the frustration, SPS contributes very little in local taxes—only 0.02% of the township’s revenue—and is exempt from mercantile taxes altogether, according to the petition.

To support this cause, community members are asking for signatures.