GLENSIDE, Pa. (WPVI) -- After a massive fire destroyed SPS Technologies in Glenside in February, the company is building a state-of-the-art facility on Highland Avenue in 2026.
"We have a long history here - more than 100 years," said David Dugan, who is the community relations manager of SPS Technologies. "We're dedicated to being here. We love the community. Our people are here. They're the experts in building these parts for the aerospace industry."
Dugan said they'll work quickly and efficiently to complete the 350,000 square foot building, and it will meet all safety codes.
Dugan said it will be 30% smaller than the former building and carry them through the next century. About 200 employees will retain jobs and create critical aerospace parts used worldwide.
"It's keeping jobs here," said Dugan. "Not only that, but those people spend money in the community. There's tax dollars."
"My son is currently in the U.S. Army. He flies on those crafts, so I want to make sure he's safe because they go into some not-so-safe areas," said Darby Doyle from Glenside. "So I want to make sure the airplanes are running well, and they create the good parts."
Dozens of residents attended the meeting at Abington Middle School on Thursday to learn more about the new design.
"I was kind of back and forth with safety concerns, about pollutants, everything. Another fire, right? What they said tonight kind of reassured me, 'Hey, they're going to build it the right way,'" said John Byrnes from Glenside.
"I want them to rebuild. SPS has been a good neighbor," said Doyle.
Dugan said they've received some noise complaints, and they're searching for a solution.
Otherwise, many residents are excited to see this top-notch facility back and better than ever.
"I want them to build with the best and most safest people. So, as a constituent, that's one of my priorities. The second one is: I want them to build it, and I want the community to get back to normal," said Doyle.
The company hopes to be up and running by 2028.
In the meantime, they continue to test the soil and air to make sure there are no issues.
SPS Technologies is also working with the fire marshal to investigate the root cause of why the compressor system exploded and started the fire.