Rod Parker

Rod Parker is the Managing Director of Gwalia Healthcare, a manufacturing company with a primary facility based in Treforest. Gwalia remains privately owned by the family of one of the founders and Rod is the third generation to manage the company. Gwalia’s core business focuses on the manufacture of pharmaceutical packaging with a strong market presence providing child resistant technology with additional services including medical device assembly.

Over the years, Gwalia’s faced a number of challenges including changes in legislation, the introduction of blister packaging and in more recent times, the aftermath of flooding caused by Storm Dennis and the pandemic that followed just weeks later.

During February 2020, Rod was advised to close the business and furlough staff however as a result of his quick thinking, he recognised an opportunity to supply hand sanitiser at a time when it was most needed. This enabled the company to produce over 500,00 bottles fulfilling significant contracts for local councils and England NHS, all of which utilised bottles and caps made onsite and promoted Gwalia’s environmental ethos. Rod’s ability to react to changing demands secured the future of the company whilst protecting existing jobs and increased employment opportunities during peak production.

Rod’s most recent project has been the development of a state-of-the-art facility in Llantrisant enabling the company to offer contract packing of vitamins utilising componentry manufactured at Treforest, assisting with full supply chain management for his customers.

Rod’s determination and enthusiasm is present throughout all aspects of his business and has helped shape Gwalia into the resilient, successful company that it has become today.