Lenzing AG, cellulosic fiber producer and Palmers Textil AG, one of the biggest textile producers in Austria, launched a new cooperation in the fight against coronavirus (Covid-19). Hygiene Austria LP GmbH was founded with the partnership of Lenzing AG 50.1% and Palmers Textil AG 49.9%. The newly established company will begin to produce and sell protective masks for both the Austrian and European markets from May 2020.
Over the past few weeks, Lenzing AG and Palmers Textil AG have invested several million euros in a modern production infrastructure at the Wiener Neudorf location and secured the corresponding raw materials for protective masks production. In a first step, the company produces so-called mouth-nose protective masks (MNS) and surgical protective masks of class EN14683. Hygiene Austria LP GmbH plans to increase its capacities to over 25 million masks per month over the next few weeks and to expand this business geographically as well.
The demand for high-quality MNS and respiratory masks for medical personnel is increasing rapidly, and there is real competition on the international market for these products. In order to sustainably secure domestic supply now and in the future and to strengthen the business location, the two companies Lenzing AG and Palmers Textil AG have now set a milestone with their own competence center for hygiene based in Austria. Hygiene Austria LP GmbH thus makes a significant contribution to combating the Covid-19 pandemic and ensures the long-term supply of these critical goods in Austria in high quality.
Stefan Doboczky, CEO of Lenzing AG. said; “We decided to pool our knowledge, network and experience in a competence center for hygiene together with our partner Palmers. The aim of this joint venture is; to provide the citizens of Austria and Europe with the best possible protection through locally manufactured, high-quality products. Masks will continue to play an important role in our daily lives; and we are proud that we were able to achieve our goal of an industrial production so quickly; together with our partner Palmers”.
Palmers is pleased with the Lenzing partnership
Palmers Textil AG and Lenzing AG complement each other perfectly. Luca Wieser, member of the Board of Palmers said about this; “We have many years of experience in the manufacture and distribution of textile products. Lenzing brings its technological experience in the hygiene sector; the know-how regarding procurement and raw material and knowledge in the field of plant engineering”.
Meanwhile Tino Wieser, member of the Board of Palmers said; “We are not only connected by textile experience and “made in Austria”; but also by the will to act quickly now and to do something for the protection of citizens; we see this as our duty to society. We are entrepreneurs and we are proud of our country”.
In a statement made by Palmers Board Member Matvei Hutman; he especially thanked the dedication of employees for Hygiene Austria to start production on time.
This project is also supported by Lenzing’s main shareholder, B&C Industrieholding and the Supervisory Board.