Medical glove and protective suit maker Ansell says demand will remain high for its products even when the pandemic is under control because of the steady need for better hygiene practices and the potential demand for annual COVID-19 vaccinations to combat a mutating virus.

Chief executive Magnus Nicolin said the company will bring on eight new production lines in the June half to keep up with the extraordinary demand, after an initial five extra lines were set up in the six months ended December 31.