The Austrian mask manufacturer Hygiene Austria LP is currently examining the expansion of production.
The Austrian mask manufacturer Hygiene Austria LP, a joint venture between Lenzing and Palmers, is currently examining the expansion of the production of FFP2 masks. The willingness of the company to expand production is there, but they are dependent on the availability of new machines. “If the machines are available, you can think about an expansion in the next two to four weeks,” said a spokeswoman for the company on Monday for the APA.
From January 25th, FFP2 masks are compulsory in shops and on public transport. The top government announced this yesterday. So far there has only been an obligation to wear some kind of mouth and nose protection.
At present, Hygiene Austria produces ten million FFP2 masks per month, which are selling extremely well. “They go away like hot cakes,” said the spokeswoman. The focus of production is in Austria, where masks are made in Wiener Neudorf (Lower Austria) with 200 employees. Masks are also produced at Lenzing's UK location in Grimsby (Yorkshire / Humber region), as Lenzing announced in May of the previous year.
The company does not want to comment on the prices for the FFP2 mask for large orders. In any case, the Federal Government's FFP2 mask campaign for senior citizens did not take place. Talks are currently being held because of the price situation, said the spokeswoman. Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) yesterday announced FFP2 masks in the food retail sector “at cost price”.
FFP2 masks are currently only available for adults. One is currently considering making FFP2 masks for children, the spokeswoman said at the APA request.
The joint venture Hygiene Austria LP of the listed fiber manufacturer Lenzing and the textile company Palmers was founded in April 2020. In addition to around 10 million FFP2 masks, 10 to 15 million mouth and nose protection masks are also produced every month.
