Aerospace components specialist Nordam (Tulsa, Oklahoma / USA; www.nordam.com) is to supply composite window frames for Boeing´s new "787 Dreamliner" passenger aircraft – the first such application of composites in a commercial airliner. Following 18 months of development, a new composite window frame using "HexMC" derived from established aerospace carbon fibre / epoxy tape technology, offering a 50% weight saving on a traditional aluminium unit, was developed in partnership with Hexcel (Stamford, Connecticut; www.hexcel.com).

Nordam said that its interiors and structures division, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will supply thousands of frames annually. "Our composite window frame is a great accomplishment," said Gary Ball, vice president and general manager of Nordam interiors and structures. "We were not the first to try, but we were the first to succeed."

Nordam is one of the world´s largest independently-owned aerospace companies and designs, certifies and produces integrated propulsion systems, nacelles and thrust reversers for business jets. It also manufactures composite aircraft structures, interior shells, custom cabinetry, radomes, and aircraft transport products including cabin windows, wing tip lenses and simulator screens. The company employs around 2,500 people worldwide, with facilities in the US, UK and Singapore. The UK facility in Cardiff, South Wales, has been established for over ten years and in 2006 was increased in size by over 40% to 14,400 m².