Arden Dies has acquired Lasercomb Dies to create the UK’s largest die making group. Details of the deal are being withheld, and it will enable Lasercomb’s three owners, Mark Ridings, Mark Guest and Alistair Baxter, to step back. Baxter will stay on as sales director along with managing director Mike Allsop. Ridings and financial director Guest will no longer be involved.
Ridings has been a director since a management buyout from the Bobst group in 2006. He says: “Reflecting on our journey with Lasercomb, we’re proud to have been part of an organisation that has garnered a solid reputation as one of the UK’s leading and best known die makers. We feel confident that the combined strengths of Arden and Lasercomb will deliver real benefits for our customers and ensure a sustained and strong future for the workforce.”
Lasercomb operates from a 2,600m2 factory in Redditch where it employs 76 staff. It produces both embossing dies and engraving for the folding carton sector across most sectors of the industry.
Arden is located in Stockport, serving a slightly different market to Lasercomb. Arden managing director Martin Poyner says: “Much like Arden, Lasercomb is a leading name in die making and engraving, so we’re delighted to bring its skills and expertise in the flatbed folding carton market into the Arden Group. While it will be very much business as usual for the Lasercomb brand, we’re excited about the opportunities it presents for our customers and our combined workforce.
“With Arden located in the North and Lasercomb in the Midlands, this acquisition will support our ambitions to expand our operations and better meet the needs of our customers across the UK and beyond, as we consolidate our efforts and share our combined knowledge of the industry.
“In today’s economic climate, ensuring certainty in the supply chain is paramount. With this acquisition, we are better positioned to mitigate risks and guarantee continuity for our customers, while strengthening our position within the market as the largest die maker in the UK.”
The expansion comes as Arden celebrates 60 years in business with Lasercomb hitting its 40th anniversary. It will take Arden to a turnover of around £20 million and increase the group’s headcount to 300 worldwide.
