Coronavirus: Hand sanitiser plant capable of producing one million bottles a month to be built in UK

Chemical giant Ineos also plans to open a factory in Germany

The chemical company Ineos has announced it will build two hand-sanitising plants in Europe (AFP via Getty Images)

Ineos is to build a hand sanitiser plant near Middlesbrough to produce one million bottles a month within 10 days, the company has announced.

The factory will supply hospitals with products free of charge.

As well as making hand saniters for front line medical and care services across the UK and Europe, the company expects to make "pocket bottle" sizes for individual use.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of Ineos, said: "Ineos is a company with enormous resources and manufacturing skills.

"If we can find other ways to help in the coronavirus battle, we are absolutely committed to playing our part."

The company also plans to build a plant in Germany to help with the shortage of hand sanitiser across Europe.

In a statement, Ineos claimed it was Europe's largest producer of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and ethanol, the two key components for medical-grade hand sanitiser.​

It produces these raw material at two sites located in Scotland and northern Germany.

The company already makes healthcare products, including ventilators, medical tubing and rubber gloves.