Puget Sound Business Journal – Boeingâs new 787, which is expected to be certified for delivery Friday, might have never been completed in its current form without a unique collaboration at the University of Washington Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials in Transport Aircraft Structures.
The key innovation that the UW center supported was a way to make âcompression moldedâ parts from carbon fiber composites for small parts. The method was far cheaper than the regular process of layering long carbon fibers used for air frame components such as hull and wing.
Sen. Maria Cantwell today visited facilities of the UW center in Seattle to talk with people leading the composites training and development effort there. She said when she returns to Capitol Hill in the fall, she’ll make it a priority to make sure the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill passes Congress and that it contains funding for the UW center.
As one of the most beautiful states in the unionâand one of the richest in natural resourcesâWashington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the stateâs conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washingtonâs business community â because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, sheâs led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough timesâand tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
