Fire At PCC Fasteners Portends More Aerospace Supply Chain Challenges

A large fire at Precision Cast Parts' fastener facility in Jenkintown, PA apparently destroyed much of the 560,000 square-foot factory located about 10 miles north of Philadelphia on Monday. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, and all employees have been accounted for by the company. A shelter-in-place order was issued by local authorities due to concerns over air quality resulting from the fire.

Damage weakens the aircraft makers' supply chain

The good news about the employees' well-being aside, the event is another serious blow to the aerospace supply chain that has absorbed a seemingly never-ending series of blows over the past five years. Fasteners made at the Jenkintown plant, such as rivets and hi-locks, are one of the key commodity areas necessary for high-volume aircraft production, and they have been a historical pinch point for the industry.