Family die-makers launched in cellar celebrates 60-year anniversary

The Arden Group, a die-making business that began in a 10-foot-square cellar, is celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of the global packaging industry leaders.

Brothers Frank and Philip Poynter established their die-making workshop in 1964 with just one saw and a workbench in the cellar of their mother's semi-detached house in Bredbury, Stockport. Philip would finish his day job making dies at a local printing firm and continue working in the cellar, while salesman Frank secured orders.

Within months, the brothers had built a profitable business. By 1965, they outgrew their underground workspace and moved to their first official factory on Cross Lane in Marple, Stockport, officially founding Arden Dies.

The Arden Group remains a family business 60 years later. The late Frank Poynter's son, Martin Poynter, serves as managing director alongside his daughter Sarah Poynter, who is operations director. The company is now in its third generation of family leadership.

Today, the Arden Group comprises three specialist divisions serving global packaging and print sectors. Arden Dies is one of the UK's largest die-makers, manufacturing specialist dies and tooling for packaging and cartons. Arden Engraving produces embossing and hot foil stamping tooling for packaging and labels. Arden Software provides CAD/CAM software for packaging design.

Martin Poynter joined the family business in 1978, at the age of 21, following the death of his uncle Philip. 'Celebrating our diamond anniversary is a proud milestone for our family and for everyone who has contributed to Arden's success over the past 60 years,' he said.

'From modest beginnings in my grandmother's cellar to becoming a global leader in the packaging sector, we have always stayed true to our core values of quality and innovation, established by my father Frank and uncle Philip.'

The company operates from its headquarters on Shepley Lane in Marple, Stockport, where it has been located since 1985. The Arden Group has grown into an international business employing 260 people across sites in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Poland, India, the US and Mexico.

The Arden name was inspired by the noble Arden family of Bredbury, whose estate included the Poynter brothers' childhood home. Former RAF member Frank Poynter, who served with the Path Finders Force of the Lancaster Bombers, incorporated the PFF Hawk emblem into the company logo as a tribute to his military heritage.

To mark the anniversary, Arden hosted a family fun day in June at Marple Golf Club, bringing together staff and families. The company's international offices are planning additional anniversary events throughout the year.