Stockport Council Deputy Chief Executive Paul Richards visited Arden Dies in Marple on Wednesday 3 June to meet the team behind one of the UK’s leading advanced manufacturers, as part of a joint visit with GM Business Growth Hub.

The visit highlighted Stockport’s commitment to supporting businesses that are investing in innovation, developing their workforce and strengthening the borough’s reputation as a centre for high-value manufacturing.

Based at Shepley Lane Industrial Estate, Arden Dies is a family-owned business founded in 1964, specialising in the manufacture of high-precision tooling used in packaging production. Now in its third generation, the Arden Group employs around 300 people globally, with 115 based in Stockport. Following recent expansion, including the acquisition of Lasercomb Dies, it has cemented its position as the largest die-maker in the UK.

The company continues to expand internationally, with operations across Europe and plans to open a new engraving facility in Mexico in 2026, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the sector.

Arden has also been at the forefront of adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, including digital systems, 3D printing and, most recently, a robotic solution designed to improve productivity and reduce manual handling.

Throughout this journey, Arden Dies has worked closely with GM Business Growth Hub and partners including Made Smarter to support its continued growth. Over the past two years, the Growth Hub has delivered a bespoke leadership development programme, alongside ongoing one-to-one mentoring for production and shift leaders.

This support has helped the business strengthen its leadership capability, take on more complex and higher-value work, and create seven new roles to meet increasing demand.

In April 2026, Arden secured a £50,000 Made Smarter grant to invest in a robotic system for placing cut ejection rubber on flatbed dies, reducing manual handling and enabling staff to focus on higher-value work.

During the visit, Paul Richards toured the facility alongside representatives from GM Business Growth Hub, meeting with Operations Director Sarah Poynter to discuss the company’s growth plans, ongoing innovation and future support needs.

Paul Richards, Deputy Chief Executive of Stockport Council, said:

“It was a privilege to visit the site and see first-hand how Arden is evolving, creating skilled jobs and enhancing Stockport’s reputation on the international stage. We look forward to continuing to support the business as it enters its next phase of growth.”

Following the visit, Cllr Meikle, cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills, said:

"Advanced manufacturing businesses like Arden Dies are a vital part of Stockport’s economy. Their continued investment in innovation, skills and high-quality jobs is exactly the kind of growth we want to support as we build a stronger, more resilient local economy right across our borough.”

Sarah Poynter, Operations Director at Arden Dies, said:

“Welcoming partners to our site was a great opportunity to showcase how far we’ve come and where we’re heading next. As our business grows, the challenges become more complex — from developing leadership capability to integrating new technologies into our operations.

“The support we’ve received from GM Business Growth Hub and the wider ecosystem has played an important role in helping us build confidence across our teams, improve productivity and unlock new opportunities. We’re excited about the future and remain committed to growing our operations here in Stockport.”

Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub, said:

“Arden Dies’ progress shows what can be achieved when a highly capable business is supported to go even further. By combining leadership development, digital adoption and innovation support, we’ve worked together to strengthen productivity, build resilience and enable continued global growth.

“Arden is a fantastic example of how Greater Manchester’s support ecosystem helps manufacturers scale with confidence — creating jobs, adopting new technologies and competing on an international stage.”