International machine builder and fibre handling specialist Cygnet Texkimp has appointed Warren Battle as VP of Sales for its US operation, Cygnet USA, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Battle’s career in the international textile market spans almost three decades, most recently as managing director of Gibbs Asia Co, which is part of Gibbs International, the largest used textile machinery dealer in the world.

Cygnet USA is the American arm of UK-headquartered Cygnet Texkimp. The 40-year old business was born out of the British textile trade of the mid 20th Century and now designs and builds fibre processing machinery including creels, handling and automation equipment and end-to-end lines for the international composites and carbon fibre markets.

The US makes up the company’s largest market, accounting for 50% or £15m of sales annually.

Working alongside Cygnet USA Technical Engineering Manager Iain Graham, Battle’s role will be to build the company’s team of sales and technical staff and to grow its share of the US market from its local base.

“By expanding our permanent presence in the US with an experienced sales team, we can give more focused support to our existing clients and to make the most of the considerable opportunities that are available to us in this market,” says Battle, who is a Chartered Textile Technologist with an MBA from the China European International Business School.