(Reuters) – A large fire broke out at a Pennsylvania factory that makes fasteners for aircraft, but no injuries were reported, authorities said on Tuesday.
The fire was reported at a commercial building of SPS Technologies in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, according to the police.
The Abington Township Police Department said there was an explosion within the building and flames could be seen inside the warehouse structure, citing statements from witnesses.
SPS Technologies, which is part of Berkshire Hathaway-owned Precision Castparts, makes fasteners and other parts for the aerospace and automotive industries, according to its LinkedIn page.
One industry source said the fire is significant for the aerospace supply chain because SPS is an important producer of fasteners for aircraft, including Boeing’s 787. Supply chain challenges have weighed on efforts by Boeing <BA.N> and rival Airbus <AIR.PA> to ramp up plane production to meet strong airline demand.
Precision Castparts did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for a comment. Boeing and Airbus said they are in touch with the supplier after the fire.
“We’re heartened to hear that no injuries are reported in the fire in Pennsylvania,” said Joe Buccino, a spokesperson for aerostructures giant Spirit AeroSystems. “We do not anticipate immediate disruption to Spirit’s operations.”
Police said a shelter-in-place order was in effect for nearby areas.
(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Franklin Paul and Leslie Adler)
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