A WINCHAM engineer is marking a quarter of a century of service.

Creel expert and senior installation engineer Rick Jones joined Cygnet Texkimp 25 years ago after knocking on the door of its former Manchester Road premises and handing over his CV.

Company founder and chairman Colin Smith invited him for an interview – and the rest is history.

Northwich Guardian:

Rick said: “It’s an immensely rewarding job. I get to see the whole process, from the black metal to the customer’s finished machine making a real difference to their business.

“This job has given me stability, allowed me to provide for my family and see the world.”

Cygnet Texkimp was founded in 1974, manufacturing fibre unwinding equipment for the traditional textile market before diversifying into the technical fibre market. When Rick joined in 1994, the company employed just seven people – now up to 80 at its Wincham headquarters.

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Rick spent stints of up to six weeks in developing countries including Indonesia and Thailand, building and installing the machines in customer businesses.

Graham Leese, head of production, said: “Nobody in the world has more knowledge in creel engineering than Rick.

Northwich Guardian:

“His excellent reputation in our industry is testament to his passion, commitment and continual hard work. We’re extremely grateful to him for dedicating the last 25 years of his career to Cygnet Texkimp and our customers.”