The contract covers 2020 and 2021.

"We are very pleased about the major order from the British government. It gives us the opportunity to expand our international production network for FFP masks,” said Rainer Klug, CEO of Dräger’s Safety Division.

“With this additional production unit, Dräger will increase volumes quickly and flexibly.”

The family-run business will expand its current site in Blyth, Northumberland, which has for the past 50 years manufactured respiratory protection technology for firefighters.

It will establish a new mask production facility within the site to fulfil the UK contract.

The group also has production facilities in Sweden and South Africa and is in the process of establishing manufacturing in France and the US.

The group said that expanding its three production sites and creating the two new ones would require “a mid-double-digit million-euro” investment this year financial year.

“Our international production network enables us to react very quickly and specifically to national or local requirements on the one hand, and to cover international requirements in a closely networked and flexible manner on the other,” said Klug.