THE next generation of future engineers was invited to a company’s anniversary celebration.

Wincham-based engineering firm Cygnet Texkimp turns 50 this year.

To celebrate, the firm welcomed GCSE STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) students from Leftwich and Weaverham high schools to their innovation centre on Friday (September 27).

Pupils were able to find out about the role Cygnet Texkimp’s technologies play around the world and learn more about apprenticeships and careers in engineering.

CEO Luke Vardy said: “As we celebrate 50 years of business, it’s vital that we also look to the future and engage with the next generation of engineers who will help take UK engineering into a new phase of growth and achievement.

“We’re committed to creating opportunities for young engineers and hope we’ve inspired these students to pursue studies in STEM or consider a career in engineering.”

Cygnet Texkimp was founded in 1974 by textile engineer and current chairman, Colin Smith.

The company designs and manufactures large-scale machinery to process high-tech materials for international markets including aerospace, automotive and wind energy.

Today the company employs 100 people at its New Cheshire Business Park site near Northwich.

In 2023, it opened a state-of-the-art innovation centre on the site to showcase its technologies to customers from around the world.

The centre is home to the company’s ‘Collaborative Innovation Programme’ which currently sees its engineers working with international manufacturers to develop new materials and parts that improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of cars, trucks, trains and aeroplanes, including technologies that enable hydrogen and electric power.

Cygnet Texkimp also runs its own apprenticeship and graduate programme which employs and trains young people in a range of disciplines including electrical, mechanical and software engineering, R&D, product design, logistics, procurement and business administration.

Matthew Kimpton-Smith, son of founders Colin and Janet Smith and CEO of Cygnet Texkimp’s parent group Cygnet Group, said: “People make our business and we’ve always taken this aspect of our success extremely seriously, employing the best people and helping them to be the best they can be.

“The skill and quality of British engineering is second to none in the world and we’re proud to be part of an industry that has such a positive impact internationally.

“As a global business headquartered in Northwich, delivering cutting-edge engineering products to some of the biggest markets in the world, this region has always given us excellent access to people, skills, transport links and opportunities.”