A Caerphilly-based maker of paper straws forMcDonald's is doubling its workforce after diversifying to also produce protective face shields to help the fight against Covid.
Transcend Packaging specialises in providing sustainable packaging products to restaurants clients that also include Starbucks.
Since April, after converting some of its production lines in Ystrad Mynach with assistance from Life Sciences Hub Wales, it has supplied more than 15 million protective face shields to the NHS and 海角视频 Department of Health and Social Care
The switch has helped to safeguard 70 jobs as orders for the hospitality sector dropped during lockdown.
Now with restaurants improving trading conditions, the company has initiated a recruitment drive for 54 permanent staff and 30 agency workers to meet global demand for both its packaging and PPE.
Transcend is currently manufacturing more than one million face shields a week with the capacity to double this two million if demand warrants it. As well as supplying the products in the 海角视频, its shields are also being sold in mainland Europe, Japan and the US.
Made from reinforced paper boards and recyclable materials, Transcend’s first face shields were designed for single use and to be recycled. The company has since introduced a new plastic free, fully compostable version, which has proven popular with demand for the range increasing.
Transcend recently secured a £10m investment round, led by IW Capital, to supports its expansion plans.
Most Read
The company will continue to produce PPE long-term alongside its regular sustainable packaging products by providing staff across a range of sectors with protective equipment.
Lorenzo Angelucci, chief executive of Transcend Packaging, said: “The 海角视频 lockdown led to a significant drop in demand for our packaging so adapting our operations was critical to protecting the business. Since restaurants have reopened, orders have picked back up again, enabling us to return to producing products for the sector.
“Despite this, we plan on continuing to the manufacturing of face shields and coverings to help protect workers on the frontline and provide much needed protection to retail, hospitality and office staff as they return to their workplaces.
“Social distancing looks set to stay for the foreseeable, so our aim is to be part of the long-term solution by making a full suite of PPE products that can be used by employees across a range of settings, as well as the public. Increasing our workforce will be key to achieving this expansion and we are pleased to have been able to provide employment opportunities to people in the region.”
Cari-Anne Quinn, chief executive of Life Sciences Hub Wales, said: " Across Wales, we have seen businesses working hard, adapting and innovating to offer their support in the national fight against Covid-19. Transcend is a primary example of this inspiring work and we are proud to have worked with them to help the company become certified to produce vital PPE.
“Transcend’s products have helped protect key workers all over the country and their efforts to help the frontline are commendable. In addition to supporting NHS Wales and health workers all over the world, their team’s drive to adjust and innovate is generating an economic boost and employment opportunities at a crucial time for Wales.”
Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport Lee Waters, said: “The way Transcend Packaging has adapted its operations throughout this pandemic is a testament to its resilience and versatility.
Don’t miss
“The company has not only survived but thrived as a result and is helping us in our efforts to protect people. It’s great news that new jobs have been created for those living locally at what remains an extremely challenging time for our economy.
“Life Sciences Hub Wales has been crucial in helping achieve this, and their efforts alongside Transcend Packaging shows what is truly possible when urgency and collaboration are combined.”