More than 70 million face masks will be manufactured in the UK and delivered to frontline health and care workers following an agreement with a global technology company, the UK government has today announced.

To support in the fight against the coronavirus, Honeywell’s Newhouse facility in Scotland, United Kingdom will produce 4.5 million respirator masks a month, starting as soon as July.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said:

“These 70 million masks are the result of our challenge to UK industry to scale up domestic PPE manufacturing.”

The UK government has ordered 70 million of the locally produced FFP2 and FFP3 Honeywell SuperOne face masks, which will be distributed by the Department of Health and Social Care to the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) and social care settings to protect frontline workers.

“The team is proud that Honeywell is playing this important role in helping protect U.K. front line workers, and excited about bringing this new production line to life,” said Sebastian Schatt, general manager for personal protective equipment for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “We’re excited to share this news with customers as we further build our PPE presence in the UK and Europe.”

The new mask production will create 450 jobs at the site. The Newhouse plant assembles and tests electronic systems, as well as other advanced manufacturing functions, which will continue alongside the new mask line. 

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

“As well as creating 450 new jobs and boosting the local economy it is great a company with manufacturing facilities in Scotland can help ensure our heroic frontline workers have the PPE they need to carry out their lifesaving work.Our UK-wide strategy is continuing to manage and supply protective equipment to the people that need it in all 4 nations.”