The two Austrian firms set up a new venture, Hygiene Austria, in April, and it began manufacturing in that country in May.

Hygiene Austria has now expanded into the UK in Grimsby, where Lenzing already has a plant.

The new facility will create around 60 new jobs over three months, and will be able to make circa 10m mouth-nose and FFP2 masks per month, as well as colourful face masks for use by children.

The Department for International Trade said that it had helped Hygiene Austria collaborate with key suppliers and UK health services to meet demands for PPE, “keeping trade flowing and building diverse supply chains as the nation looks to sustainable recovery from this pandemic”.

Phil Munson, operations director at Grimsby, said: “We are eager to play a leading role to ensure the primary health care to the UK population as a key supplier teaming up with our National Health Service.

“Moreover, we can count on highly experienced service and maintenance personnel here in Grimsby.”

Lenzing brands include Tencel, EcoVero and Veocel.

The UK operation expects to begin production this week. The Austrian facility in Wiener Neudorf, which was set up in just six weeks, has acted as a blueprint for the Grimsby operation.

Lenzing holds 50.1% and Palmers Textil AG 49.9% in Hygiene Austria.

Lenzing Group’s fibres are biodegradable and compostable, and as well as being used for a range of high-performance textiles its fibres are also used for hygiene products and agricultural applications.