The move follows a sharp rise in demand for PPE and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

JSP has restructured its healthcare division to meet an increasing demand from both new and existing customers and has played a key role, along with its distribution partners, in supplying products to more than 120 NHS Trusts in England.

New investment will include large scale automated production lines capable of mass production of RPE and will support the growing demand for disposable and reusable masks as well as Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), protective eyewear and face-shields.

Mark Johnstone, CEO at JSP, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support our customers by supplying them with highest quality JSP products during this unprecedented period.

“The additional investment not only allows us to continue to invest in new technology, as well as increase our production capabilities, but also to create new employment opportunities, support our business and meet growing customer demand.”