Abstract: A lightweight composite fiber wound tubular member or casing, such as a rocket motor case, has one or more openings formed through one end portion of the wall thereof by orienting the filaments or fibers around each opening to provide reinforcement for loads applied to fasteners passing through said openings. The orientation of the filaments or fibers is such as to receive and transfer loads applied to the walls of the openings in the tubular member in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the tubular member. A method of manufacturing the tubular member is disclosed which includes winding the filaments or fibers along a helical path and around the area defining each opening, together with the apparatus for performing the method.