Province Helps Lunenburg Company Dream Big

Composites Atlantic is gearing up following the company's recent contract to support Boeing's 787 Dreamliner program. The province announced today, May 9, a $1-million loan to help the company purchase new equipment and retool operations.

The company is using new technology and streamlining operations to produce composite diagonal braces for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The redesigned brace, which supports the engine to the main body of the aircraft, incorporates limited metal, resulting in a lighter and more fuel-efficient product.

"Composites Atlantic continues to win contracts with companies like Boeing because of their superior research and development, and ability to adapt to changes in technology," said Economic Development Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The province is showing its confidence in this successful Lunenburg company, which puts into practice new technology for the advanced manufacturing sector in Nova Scotia."

Maurice Guitton, CEO and president of Composites Atlantic said, "We are excited to fabricate this composite brace for Boeing and we are grateful to the province of Nova Scotia, whose financial assistance on this project will ultimately benefit our community and economy."

The one-year, interest-bearing repayable loan is from the province's Industrial Expansion Fund and will cover up-front costs associated with production of the redesigned diagonal brace.

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. The company has grown from 10 employees in 1993 to 450 today.

Composites is co-owned by the province of Nova Scotia and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). EADS is part of a European conglomerate that manufacturers the Airbus line of aircraft, plus helicopters, satellite and missile and defence systems.