José Ignacio Huertas: 3M returns to SICUR as a key manufacturer of personal protection equipment
3M confirms its return to SICUR 2026 as a key manufacturer in the personal protective equipment sector, according to José Ignacio Huertas, Sales Leader for the 3M Personal Safety Division in Spain & Portugal. "Our business in these two countries is critical. We work with many end customers and distributors, and it is an excellent time to meet face-to-face with them again.” The company will present solutions at the fair regarding compatibility between different types of personal protective equipment, communication solutions for various industrial environments, and protection solutions for confined space environments.
How does 3M approach worker health and safety?
3M prioritises the health and safety of employees across all our global facilities. Furthermore, the Personal Protection division is currently the most significant business unit within the company. We manufacture and market Personal Protective Equipment to protect the health and safety of workers operating in different industry sectors, ensuring they return home safely after their shift.
What is the company's product portfolio?
3M maintains diverse product portfolios. A significant portion covers Respiratory Protection. This ranges from protection against particles, gases, and vapours to powered air purifying respirators suitable for all types of work. These solutions enhance protection levels and worker ergonomics. Examples include respiratory protection equipment and electronic welding helmets for welders. Additionally, we offer a line of self-contained breathing apparatus for oxygen-deficient atmospheres and a comprehensive range of fall protection, where we have vertical and horizontal lifeline engineering solutions.
Finally, 3M is an expert in passive and communication-enabled hearing solutions for different markets where people are exposed to noise levels that are harmful to their health yet still need to communicate. Other lines that round out our value proposition include eye, head, and face protection, as well as chemical splash and particle protection coveralls.
How important is your company's participation in SICUR 2026, and what innovations will you be presenting at the event?
3M has historically attended SICUR because we have been long-standing partners of Asepal. While in recent fairs we have not been present directly because we increasingly directed investments toward the EMEA and Global levels, our strategy has evolved. However, for 2026 we want to return to the fair as a key manufacturer in the Personal Protective Equipment sector. Our business in Spain and Portugal is vital, and the division team works closely with many end customers and distributors. It is a good time to be with them in person again, after a period defined by virtual interaction. We will present solutions for compatibility between different personal protective equipment, communication solutions for various industrial environments, and solutions for protection in confined space environments.
In your opinion, how has occupational safety awareness changed in recent years?
The shift in market awareness in Spain and Portugal is significant. Twenty years ago, corporate concern for employee health and safety was different. Following the implementation of the Prevention Law and our dedication to helping organisations improve the working environment to enhance safety and productivity, the situation has changed considerably. Consequently, trade fairs of this type, where the key players in this sector meet, are essential for presenting innovations designed with the worker and the company in mind.