28th July 2026

FTSE100 firm completes multimillion-pound expansion of South Wales manufacturing site

Medical products and technologies company Convatec has completed a multi-year expansion of more than £24m at its manufacturing site in South Wales.

A new production line at the Rhymney facility, inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, will strengthen Convatec’s advanced wound care innovation pipeline.

The investment builds on nearly four decades of expertise at the Rhymney site, supporting highly skilled manufacturing in the region and reinforcing its role as a centre of excellence for Hydrofiber Technology, Convatec’s proprietary wound care platform.

Almost 1.5 billion Aquacel dressings have been sold worldwide leveraging the technology over the last three decades.

The expansion also reflects Convatec’s ongoing commitment to the UK life sciences sector. Across its UK sites, including manufacturing in Deeside and Rhymney, the company continues to invest in the skills, infrastructure and innovation needed to support patients living with chronic conditions around the world.

Convatec employs approximately 650 colleagues across its UK manufacturing operations. About 15 per cent are based at the expanded site in South Wales, with the remainder operating out of Convatec’s larger manufacturing site in Deeside.

Last October, Convatec announced plans to invest more than £500m in UK R&D, including establishing a new state-of-the-art R&D hub in Manchester in 2028.

Tanja Dormels, president, Advanced Wound Care at Convatec, said: “For nearly four decades, our Rhymney team has built deep expertise and world-class manufacturing capability, and this expansion is a testament to their skill, dedication and pride in serving patients. By strengthening production in the UK, we can reach more people around the world with trusted wound care solutions, while keeping that expertise firmly rooted in Rhymney and the wider UK life sciences ecosystem.”

Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, added: “The completion of Convatec’s multi-year investment of over £24m is a significant vote of confidence in UK and Welsh manufacturing and in the talented people who work at this site.

“Convatec is one of many firms supporting a stronger future for the life sciences sector in Wales, which in turn is benefiting patients across the UK. I was delighted to be here to mark this milestone with the team.”

The Rhymney site has operated as a manufacturing hub since 1986.