2 minute read
Welsh gov’t support safeguards jobs at Transcend Packaging
The Welsh government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) has helped safeguard 70 jobs at Caerphilly-based Transcend Packaging.
The company, which makes paper straws and other sustainable packaging for the world’s leading quick service restaurants, was hugely impacted by the pandemic. The Ystrad Mynach-based business has received £165,500 from the ERF, which has helped the business continue to operate and ultimately protect its workforce.
Throughout the pandemic, the Welsh government has made £2.5bn available to support businesses across Wales, helping to protect in excess of 160,000 jobs that might otherwise have been lost.
The Welsh government has helped safeguard 70 jobs at Transcend Packaging – Europe’s largest producer of paper straws / Picture: Transcend Packaging
Lorenzo Angelucci, chief executive officer at Transcend Packaging, said: “Like most British businesses, the coronavirus pandemic had a huge impact on our sustainable packaging business; with lockdown forcing restaurants and cafes to shut, large client orders dried up. The funding from the Welsh government was pivotal in assisting Transcend through these challenging times with reduced orders and income. It also safeguarded the jobs of over 70 employees at our production facility in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly.”
At the height of the pandemic, Transcend, with innovation and R&D support from SMART Cymru, adapted production to produce one million face shields a week in response to the First Minister’s call for action to support NHS Wales.
Vaughan Gething, economy minister added: “Transcend Packaging is an important business in Caerphilly county borough, providing good quality jobs in the local community. I am delighted we were able to provide the business with vital support when it needed it most.
“Coronavirus has changed everyone’s lives and placed incredibly difficult challenges on our business community. In response we have worked hard to try and protect companies, jobs and livelihoods through an unprecedented package of support. Our Economic Resilience Fund has been a key part of that and I look forward to seeing Transcend Packaging rebound post-pandemic.
“I would like to add my sincere thanks for the way it stepped up to boost our efforts to produce vital PPE last year. This helped protect many frontline workers in our health and care services at the height of the pandemic. The business also has sustainability at its heart and its innovation is exactly the sort of business practice we want to see as we rebuild a greener Welsh economy.”