U.S. hospitals are experiencing a pandemic-related mask and respirator shortage, according to Prestige Ameritech. In addition to supplying hospitals with their normal supplies of masks and respirators, the center will help the United States and other countries build surgical mask and N95 respirator stockpiles for use during the H1N1 and future pandemics, the company said.

The 220,000-square-foot facility, now vacant, will open by Jan. 31, 2010, according to the company.

“Prestige Ameritech will provide U.S. healthcare systems with a secure, high-quality American-made surgical mask and respirator supply that cannot be diverted by foreign health agencies during global emergencies,” said Dan Reese, Prestige Ameritech founder and CEO.

Many of Prestige Ameritech’s 200 employees once worked at the facility when it was operated by Kimberly-Clark. In 2006, Kimberly-Clark closed the factory when it and the rest of America’s major mask makers discontinued making surgical masks in the United States, according to Prestige Ameritech.

With the expected opening of the facility, Prestige Ameritech hopes to create another 200 jobs in the next few years.

Prestige Ameritech says it is the largest domestic manufacturer of surgical masks. The company will introduce medical respirators in early 2010.