Europe
Aerospace Industry Struggles with Fire Outcomes from US Factory Fire
• The US aerospace industry is grappling with the aftermath of a fire at SPS Technologies’ Philadelphia-area parts factory.
• The fire could strain the industry’s supply chain, with Boeing and Safran contacting suppliers about potential effects.
• The fire, which caused no fatalities, is the latest in a string of supply setbacks in aerospace.
• SPS Technologies’ products, including titanium fasteners used to assemble carbon-fiber jets, are highly specialized and not easily sourced by other manufacturers.
• Boeing and European rival Airbus are already facing supply snags as they try to boost airplane output.
• Boeing is working with suppliers to assess impacts and manage any impacts.
• Safran has also contacted suppliers to see if they purchase directly from SPS.
• GE Aerospace, the world’s largest aerospace firm, is looking at alternative manufacturing sites and backup suppliers.
• SPS is a significant supplier to Europe’s Airbus, with an expected impact to be limited for their operations.
• The fire has set the stage for a potential contest to secure supplies down the road, with some parts being higher value and complex parts only produced by SPS.
