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Industrial giants Honeywell and 3M are set to increase the production of respiratory protection products worldwide as demand increases due to the deadly Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
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3M, which manufactures face masks to cover noses and mouths of individuals, said that its Chinese facility is fully operational despite the spread of the deadly virus.
CNBC reported that the company plans to boost production of the masks at its facilities in China and other Asian countries, as well as the US and Europe.
Honeywell did not disclose details of the facilities that would increase the production of these masks.
FOX Business quoted a Honeywell spokesperson as saying: “We are experiencing a surge in demand for our protective face masks in North America, Europe and China.
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By GlobalData“We are increasing production at multiple facilities globally, and we are fulfilling all current orders.”
China Industry and Information Technology Vice Minister Wang Jiangping said due to the rapid spread of the outbreak, there is a shortage of protective masks in the country.
Jiangping added that the country is working to meet surging domestic demand for medical supplies through various channels such as international procurement to control coronavirus.
There are only 40 companies throughout China at present licensed to manufacture protective clothing for distribution in the country.
Central authorities in the country said the government would send at least two million personal protective equipment units to Wuhan.
The virus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, has led to 170 deaths as of the end of 29 January, with more than 7,700 infected cases confirmed by Chinese officials.
The virus has infected nearly 4,500, prompting consumers globally to stockpile facial masks.
