The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a composite article comprising a composite plate (1) and at least one fitting (4). The method is characterized by the steps of arranging at least one former on said composite plate (1), arranging at least one fitting (4) on said composite plate (1), producing a lay-up by applying a composite material layer (9) least partly covering an external surface of the former and of the fitting, and curing the layup in a curing process. After curing, said composite material layer (9) forms the walls of a stiffener and at least partly encloses the fitting so as to support it in a predetermined position.