MRO products distributor Vallen Distribution launched a catalog of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety products geared for women.

“Women bring diverse skills and perspectives to the workplace, yet often have few choices for gear that is designed to fit and protect a woman’s body,” Vallen officials said in a news release, published on International Women’s Day on March 8. “Vallen has partnered with best-in-class manufacturers to provide an extensive range of female-focused protective clothing and products to enhance safety and comfort for women in a variety of work environments.”

The catalog spans multiple categories of PPE including protective and high visibility apparel, footwear, hand and arm protection, head, eye and face protection, hearing protection, heat stress, arc flash protection and fire-resistant apparel.

The initiative was guided by members of Vallen’s VICKIE, an employee resource group that aims to support and empower women in the workplace. In collaboration with Vallen’s sales and marketing leaders, the team worked across Vallen’s North America operations to select suppliers and products that meet the needs of women.

The catalog will be shared with customers in an ongoing campaign to build awareness of the importance of proper gear for women, and to introduce new or seasonal safety products and solutions.

In a market shakeup for industrial MRO products and services, Vallen is set to buy Wesco Integrated Supply (WIS)  — the industrial supplies unit of electrical supplies distribution giant Wesco International — for $350 million.

In June 2022, private equity firm Nautic Partners acquired Vallen from Sonepar Group. In 2023, Vallen (Charlotte, NC) ranked No. 18 on MDM’s Top Industrial Distributors List.