Hall, 50, died after suffering fatal head injuries when the machine he was working on at the company's Padfield site was activated while he was still inside.

The company was prosecuted following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Eddy Tarn, the investigating HSE inspector, said Hall died because "simple measures were not taken by Glossop Cartons to prevent the machine being switched on while he was inside".

Jacky Sidebottom, Glossop Cartons director, said: "From the outset, we have done everything in our power to cooperate with the Health and Safety Executive's inquiry.

"Needless to say, our profoundest sympathy goes to the family and friends of Mr Hall. As a family-run business this accident has deeply affected many of our staff and their families too."

She said the company had "promptly accepted responsibility" and were advised to plead guilty.

Sidebottom said: "The prosecution agreed there was no suggestion that we ever placed profit before safety.

"The accident was not a result of cost-cutting. We had a good safety record prior to this accident and had no previous convictions. This does not, however, diminish the tragedy of the situation."

The company has since become certified to the occupational health and safety standard, ISO18001.

Glossop Cartons manufactures plain and printed cardboard packaging.