Lunenburg Stands to Land Another Aerospace Project

International aerospace giant Boeing is looking to Nova Scotia to develop new technology for its latest aircraft, the Boeing 787. And EADS Composites Atlantic is meeting the challenge by designing and developing a new technology that will revolutionize aircraft windows.

The province is investing $350,000 for the final testing and certification of the new aircraft window frame, which is 40 per cent lighter than a traditional frame and therefore more fuel-efficient. Once certified, the product could lead the Lunenburg-based company into a long-term contract with Boeing, and create 30 new high tech jobs.

"Composites Atlantic continues to win new contracts and grow in the international aerospace industry,"Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage said today, Nov. 1, in Lunenburg. "The province is showing its confidence in this successful company as Composites Atlantic continues to expand the advanced manufacturing sector in Nova Scotia and create jobs."

"Composites Atlantic already has contracts with Airbus and Boeing, and these international companies keep coming back for more product," said Michael Baker, Minister of Justice. "Composites superior research and development, their employees, and manufacturing capabilities are putting the company and Nova Scotia on the international aerospace industry map."

"The market potential for this advanced product is enormous," said Maurice Guitton, president and CEO of the company. "The unprecedented talent of our researchers and our manufacturing workforce, combined with the province's support for our R&D, and trade missions, gives us the added strength we need to succeed in this competitive industry."

The $350,000 innovation incentive, in the form of a royalty agreement, will allow Composites Atlantic to complete the final development and testing of the new product. The province will be repaid based on future sales royalties.

EADS Composites Atlantic has earned a reputation as a leader in the design, testing, certification, and manufacture of advanced composites for the aerospace, space, defence, and commercial industries. Composites Atlantic has grown from 10 employees in 1993 to 250 today.

The parent company, SOGERMA is a French company in the EADS group, and part of a European conglomerate that manufacturers the Airbus line of aircraft, plus helicopters, satellite and missile and defense systems.