Meet our leaders: Lina María Villegas – Solmaq Director

“Safety doesn’t come in a box, it’s built as a team.”

For years, those of us who distribute personal protective equipment (PPE) were seen as logistics providers: deliver quickly, comply with standards, maintain stock. But those of us in this industry know that our role is much deeper than that. We are an active part of the first line of defense against the risks faced by millions of workers every day. We are not just part of the supply chain. We are part of the chain that protects lives.

When I took over the leadership of Solmaq on May 1, 2023—coincidentally, International Workers’ Day—we knew that standing out in this market required operational excellence: available inventory, on-time deliveries, impeccable service. But as we listened to the needs of workers and safety professionals, one thing became clear: we weren’t selling products, we were contributing to something much more valuable. We were protecting people.

That’s when our transformation began.

Solmaq evolved from a PPE supplier to a provider of comprehensive industrial safety solutions. Today, we offer strategies tailored to the unique needs of three key players: HSQ (Health, Safety, and Quality) specialists, purchasing departments, and, of course, end users.

We understand the demands of those who lead safety in their organizations. We know what it means to seek efficiency from the purchasing department. And above all, we feel the responsibility of those who use our products with the expectation—and hope—that they will work when they need them most.

And that responsibility is not taken lightly. It is challenging, yes. Intimidating, at times. But above all, deeply motivating.

Today more than ever, safety is not a matter of compliance. It is a shared cause. Each actor has a different perspective, but we all seek the same thing: for every person to return home safe, sound, and alive.

That is why it is not enough to offer certified products. Our commitment is to support our customers with solutions that guarantee real safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. We combine timely supply, technical knowledge, consulting, training, and cutting-edge technology. In this way, we contribute to the creation of organizational cultures that are more humane, resilient, and prepared for the future.

At Solmaq and the Bunzl Group, we believe that safety cannot be improvised or solved with catalogs. It is designed with intelligence, empathy, and a long-term vision. Because at the end of the day, protecting people is not just what we do – it is why we exist.

LINA MARÍA VILLEGAS -Director Solmaq