Stockport-based Arden’s team was subject to an on-site audit and a tooling machine validation trial at the Bobst Competence Centre in Switzerland in order to pass the requirements for the award.

Bobst developed the programme in order to encourage confidence in converters that their die-makers have the skills, understanding and equipment to produce high-quality dies.

Arden operation and sales director Simon Lynch said: “Arden Dies has been a leader in the die-making and packaging industry in the UK for more than half a century and we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of innovation, so we are delighted to be the first in the UK and Ireland to become Bobst-certified.

“The objective of the accreditation is to deliver tooling and press performance within the certified standards agreed by both our businesses and ensure our shared customer base optimise their conversion machine and tooling investments.

“We intend to now build on our great existing relationship with Bobst by working closer together and we are confident the new accreditation will help further cement our position as the UK’s leading die-maker.”

Arden Dies is part of the Arden Group whose other subsidiaries are Arden Engraving and Arden Software. The group was established in 1964.

Towards the end of last year, Arden partnered with Glossop Cartons to tour schools, colleges and job clubs in the Stockport area with the aim of promoting the benefits of manufacturing and engineering careers within the packaging industry.

This followed the launch of the group’s apprenticeship recruitment drive in October, through which prospective apprentices will be able to work towards a Level Three apprenticeship qualification alongside hands-on and classroom-based experience and training.