An Ystrad Mynach-based packaging company has nearly doubled its permanent workforce over the last four months, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Transcend Packaging now employs 127 people on a permanent basis, having switched its focus towards producing personal protective equipment (PPE) in recent months.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the company has supplied more than 15 million face visors to the NHS and the UK Department of Health.

Transcend is currently producing one million face visors a week and says it has the capacity to increase this to two million if needed.

The company has distributed PPE across the UK, Europe, the United States and Japan.

Transcend, which produces paper straws for McDonald’s and Starbucks, among other chains, has employed an extra 54 permanent workers and 30 agency workers to help meet growing demand.

Lorenzo Angelucci, Transcend Packaging CEO said: “The UK 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.”

Mr Angelucci confirmed the company would continue producing PPE and added: “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.”

Transcend was supported in its switch to producing PPE by Life Sciences Hub Wales – which has been appointed by Welsh Government to manage offers of support from businesses towards NHS Wales.

Cari-Anne Quinn, CEO of Life Sciences Hub Wales, said: “Transcend’s products have helped protect key workers all over the country and their efforts to help the frontline are commendable.”

Welsh Government’s deputy economy minster, Lee Waters, said: “The way Transcend Packaging has adapted its operations throughout this pandemic is a testament to its resilience and versatility.

“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.”