Normally, multinational companies have their headquarters outside of Spain, and certainly outside of León. From their places of origin, they might eventually reach this wonderful province, but the reverse is far from common. And yet, that is precisely what SOLTRA has accomplished in its twenty-five years of existence. Its headquarters are in León, and from here, it has expanded to Mexico and Denmark. A remarkable achievement for the economy of a province that urgently needs large companies to create a strong business fabric—one that helps us definitively move past a dependence on mining, which is never coming back, and that can lead the way for other small and medium-sized enterprises seeking reliable partners.
SOLTRA is a model for León. The fact that Diario de León has honored it with its most prestigious award, the 2025 Prize for Social Development and Human Values, is no coincidence. It is the result of hard work and a particular way of understanding the economy, business, and above all, the society in which it operates. León is defined by its diversity, by its many unique traits, and SOLTRA has successfully embraced this idiosyncrasy by diversifying its business, branching into many sectors, and responding
Joaquín S. Torné
Diario
de León Manager
The great merit of SOLTRA: saying litte and doing a lot...hiring people
to the demands of a wide range of markets. This has enabled the company to achieve the kind of stability that translates into steady and lasting job creation— more than 1,500 employees across the three countries where it operates.
In these brief lines, I find no need to go over the specific points highlighted by the Diario de León award jury, but I do believe it is essential to emphasize the unanimous decision to make visible the recognition of a mission best summed up in a single phrase: where others saw challenges, SOLTRA saw opportunity. Without a doubt, this speaks to the vision of its managers, the support of its shareholders, and above all, the dedication of its employees. Individuals who are committed to their work and who understand that collaboration and mutual support are the path to success.
León is a province with an innate capacity for reinvention. It has done so many times throughout its history. That’s why it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of companies like SOLTRA. By doing so, it will be far easier to face the significant challenges that confront the province as we approach the middle of the 21st century. León needs infrastructure. It needs to eliminate
the imbalances that weigh down the economy. It needs to create the conditions required to retain the talent that emerges from its classrooms. Observing how this company has done it may well open the path for many others to invest in a welcoming province with natural and cultural riches that few others can match.
However, when speaking of the economy as we know it today, it is not León’s treasures that we should highlight. We are living in turbulent times, where the atrocities reported by the media make the world seem more complex by the day. Today, we talk about tariffs, about wars, about instability, and global power struggles. We also talk a lot about solidarity, though we don’t seem to promote it much. The message is often sent—but rarely lived by example. Perhaps this is SOLTRA’s greatest virtue: saying little and doing a lot. Discretion is one of its secrets. The other—make no mistake—is hiring people. Individuals who give everything they have for the good of the whole.
Let me say it again: hiring people.
25 years of inclusion: Adding Abilities, Multiplying Opportunities
In 2025, we proudly celebrate 25 years since we began our journey in La Virgen del Camino (León), thanks to the vision of Mr. Antonino Fernández and Mrs. Cinia González. Since our founding in the year 2000, SOLTRA has become a benchmark in the field of non-profit social economy.
What began as a dream supported by the Dominican Fathers, Caja España (now UNICAJA), and the Gureak Group has grown into a model of solidarity and teamwork, working to build a more inclusive world.
Today, under the leadership of Mr. Carlos Fernández, President and CEO of Finaccess— who carries on the legacy of his uncles—we remain firmly committed to our mission: to provide stable and dignified employment for people with disabilities. Finaccess, an in-
vestment institution guided by values such as trust, justice, and responsibility, is part of our shareholder group through Finaccess Social, its social responsibility division committed to people, family, and society.
When we started, we were just 10 employees working on the assembly and mounting of automotive components. Today, we are more than 1,600 people across Spain, Mexico, and Denmark—and over 90% of our workforce is made up of people with disabilities (intellectual, physical, sensory, or mental health-related).
But we haven’t only grown in numbers — we’ve also diversified our activities. We work in industrial sectors such as assembly, logistics, and textiles, as well as in services such as...
I 2025 fejrer vi stolt 25 år, siden vi begyndte vores rejse i La Virgen del Camino (León), takket være visionen fra hr. Antonino Fernández og fru Cinia González. Siden vores grundlæggelse i år 2000 er SOLTRA blevet et pejlemærke inden for den non-profit sociale økonomi.
Det, der begyndte som en drøm støttet af Dominikanerfædrene, Caja España (nu UNICAJA) og Gureak Gruppen, er i dag et forbillede på solidaritet og teamwork med målet om at bygge en mere inkluderende verden.
Da vi startede, var vi blot 10 medarbejdere, der arbejdede med samling og montering af komponenter til bilindustrien. I dag er vi over 1.600 personer i Spanien, Mexico og Danmark.
20 Anniversary of CINIA (SOLTRA GROUP MÉXICO)
CINIA (SOLTRA GROUP Mexico) celebrated its 20th anniversary in the city of Puebla with an event that brought together public authorities, collaborators, and prominent figures in the field of social and labor inclusion.
Among the attendees were Pedro David Ortega from the Ministry of Welfare, Federal Deputy Mónica Herrera Villavicencio, and Gaby Bonilla, wife of former Governor Sergio Salomón, who joined the cause. Also present was Socorro Alfaro de Morales, who was involved in the founding of CINIA as president of SEMIDIF.
Ivo Fernández Aramburuzabala, representing his father, Mr. Carlos Fernández González, President of SOLTRA GROUP, reflected on the company’s origins, founded by Mr. Antonino and Mrs. Cinia. “Twenty years ago, my great-uncles started this company with the dream of doing good—offering dignified work, social inclusion, and development for people with disabilities. They were not alone in this endeavor; they had the support of GUREAK, Mr.
Fernando Diez (RIP), and many others committed to the cause. This reminds me of a quote I really like from Winston Churchill, which is also part of CINIA’s creed: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ It is an honor for me to be here with all of you and, on behalf of my father, to thank everyone for making something possible that, for my uncles and for many, was once just a dream. Thank you for your work, thank you for your dedication—and a special thanks to Jose Antonio Idoeta, CEO of SOLTRA GROUP, who could not be with us today.”
María Diez Revilla, Chief Financial and HR Officer of SOLTRA GROUP, compared CINIA’s growth to that of a “younger sibling” who has grown up and become a benchmark for inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities.
CINIA, SOLTRA GROUP i Mexico fejrede sit 20-års jubilæum i byen Puebla med et event, der samlede myndigheder, samarbejdspartnere og fremtrædende personer inden for social og arbejdsmæssig inklusion.
Ivo Fernández Aramburuzabala, der repræsenterede sin far, Mr. Carlos Fernández González, præsident for SOLTRA GROUP, mindedes virksomhedens begyndelse, som blev grundlagt af Mr. Antonino og Mrs. Cinia.
“For tyve år siden startede mine grandonkler denne virksomhed med drømmen om at gøre godt, tilbyde værdigt arbejde, social inklusion og udvikling til personer med en eller anden form for handicap. De var ikke alene i denne opgave, da de havde støtte fra GUREAK og Mr. Fernando Diez (RIP), samt mange andre personer, der var engagerede i sagen.”
Latest News
“Open your Mind” awards ceremony
The CreACCIÓN Mental Group has held the awards ceremony for its 10th Photography Contest, which this year was titled ‘Open Your Mind’. A total of 45 participants took part in the contest, all of whom are users of the mental health network in León. The goal of this initiative is to promote photography as a means of expression and to raise awareness of this group in society in order to foster their inclusion.
In the ‘technical composition’ category, the award went to María Victoria Ramírez, known as ‘Viky la vivida’, from the Asociación Salud Mental León. She received the recognition from Eduardo Diego, the territorial delegate of the Junta de Castilla y León. The jury was made up of members from the Focus Association, who evaluated the technical quality of the photographs submitted.
Meanwhile, María Inmaculada Pérez Martínez, ‘Macu Alas’, won the award in the ‘artistic compo-
sition’ category. The recognition was presented by María Ángeles Rodríguez, deputy director of the Unit of Valuation and Care for People with Disabilities (UVAD). Her prize included a diploma and an instant camera.
The public’s choice award, determined by a popular vote among the 234 participants, went to José Antonio de la Hera, ‘Son Goku’, from the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center (CRPS) at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in León. His photograph ‘Past Memories’ received the most votes, and he was awarded the prize by Lucía Osorio, deputy for Ecological Transition.
The event took place at the Public Library of León and was hosted by Alba Laso, an occupational therapist at the CRPS of San Juan de Dios in León, and Mercedes Gutiérrez, an educator at the SOLTRA Foundation. During the ceremony, Dr. Antonio Serrano, head of the Psychiatry Service at the Universi-
ty Assistance Complex of León (CAULE), emphasized the importance of activities like this to improve the autonomy of people with mental health issues.
“I have great hope that little by little we will do things better, working as a team to ease the burdens of this illness and achieve the greatest possible functionality for those who suffer from it,” Dr. Serrano said to the attendees.
The CreACCIÓN Mental Group is made up of several entities within the mental health network that work together to organize activities that promote emotional well-being and social inclusion. These include the SOLTRA Foundation, the Feclem Foundation, the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center (CRPS) of the San Juan de Dios Hospital in León, CAULE, the Asociación Salud Mental León, and Aldis Salud Mental.
SOLTRA
awared Diario de León´s Social Development and Human Values Prize
At a gala held at the León Auditorium, we were honored with the XIX Diario de León Award for Social Development and Human Values. This recognition comes in a very special year for us as we celebrate 25 years of work and commitment to labor inclusion.
Our CEO, José Antonio Idoeta, expressed our deep gratitude to Diario de León and the jury for this award, which strengthens our mission of creating a more inclusive society. “It is a source of pride and honor for us, even more so because it comes from a close environment,” said Idoeta. He also emphasized the importance of all the people who have made SOLTRA’s growth possible from its beginnings to today. This award is a recognition of their effort, dedication, and passion for our project.
Meanwhile, Francisco Javier Díaz Salazar, our Director of Services, reflected on the early days of SOLTRA in 2000 when we began
our activities at the Dominicos schools in La Virgen del Camino. “It was a great adventure that continues to this day,” he said. He recalled how the first ten colleagues traveled to the Basque Country to receive training, thanks to the support of Antonino Fernández and his wife, Doña Cinia, as well as Caja España (now Unicaja) and the Gureak group. Today, we look back with gratitude and forward with enthusiasm, convinced that there is still much to be done in favor of labor inclusion.
Our future continues to expand. Díaz Salazar announced the expansion of textile activities in León and the opening of new inclusive supermarkets in rural areas.
Ved en ceremoni, der blev afholdt i Auditorio de León, blev vi hædret med XIX Diario de León-prisen for Social Udvikling og Menneskelige Værdier.
Denne anerkendelse kommer i et meget særligt år for os, da vi fejrer 25 år med arbejde og engagement for arbejdsinklusion.
Vores Generaldirektør, José Antonio Idoeta, udtrykte vores dybfølte taknemmelighed til Diario de León og juryen for denne pris, som styrker vores mission om at skabe et mere inkluderende samfund. “Det er en kilde til stolthed og ære for os, endnu mere, fordi det kommer fra et nært miljø,” sagde Idoeta.
Getting to Know
AMIDOWN LEÓN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS PROMOTING THE INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME
This year, Amidown León celebrates its 30th anniversary, and to commemorate this milestone, we interviewed Carmen, the association’s president, and Ángela, head of Human Resources. The association was founded in 1995 by a group of parents of children with Down syndrome and committed professionals. Its mission is to promote the autonomy of people with Down syndrome, support their families, and foster their inclusion in society.
Over the past three decades, Amidown has worked tirelessly to promote the inclusion of people with Down syndrome, especially in the workplace. For many years, these individuals were rendered invisible and had no access to jobs in mainstream companies. Today, thanks to the association’s labor inclusion programs, many of them are employed in regular companies, proving that with the right support, they can perform their jobs independently and effectively.
One of Amidown’s greatest achievements has been promoting independent living for people with Down syndrome. This project has not been easy, as finding a suitable apartment where young people could live independently was a real challenge. The mistrust of many landlords made the search difficult, but after two years of effort, they managed to secure a home in San Andrés. There, the young adults begin learning essential skills for independent living, such as grocery shopping, cooking, and managing household tasks. This marks an important step in their journey toward autonomy.
However, Amidown also faces new challenges due to the aging of people with Down syndrome. One of the biggest current concerns is the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, which often affects these individuals at an early age. In response, the association is working on strategies to prevent cognitive decline and provide appropriate solutions that avoid placing these
individuals in non-specialized care homes. Their goal is to ensure that people with Down syndrome receive the care they need in a suitable environment.
Despite the progress made, Carmen and Ángela agree that there is still much work to be done. Although public perception of Down syndrome has improved, there is still a long way to go to break down stereotypes and show that people with Down syndrome can lead full lives, participate actively in society, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. True inclusion, they affirm, is not a distant goal, but a reality that is built day by day, with effort, dedication, and support from everyone.
1.-How did you get yo know SOLTRA?
We live in La Virgen del Camino and were struck by the number of workers who took the bus to come to work. We mentioned it to Victor (a town councilor), and he was the one who encouraged us to get in touch with SOLTRA
-2.- What was it that mainly attracted you to SOLTRA for your child’s education?
Emilio started with the itinerary program, and from the very beginning, he came home very happy. We were pleasantly surprised by how well everyone gets along.
3.- At what age did your son start working at SOLTRA? At the age of 20.
Mother Susana
Emilio Alonso
Great Parents
4.- What progress do you think you have made during this time?
At first, it was very difficult for him to get up early, but little by little he has adapted to the schedule. Here, he has become more motivated to take part in activities—he is part of the football team, and that has also led him to collaborate with his coach by helping with the children’s groups.
6.- ¿Tiene más hijos?
Sí, Emilio tiene un hermano mayor con el que se lleva muy bien.
7.- What aspects would you highlight about SOLTRA?
It’s a great example to follow — not all companies offer opportunities to people who face greater challenges.
8.- What aspects of SOLTRA would you improve? Nothing at the moment.
9.- What would you say is your son’s best quality?
He is a very friendly person and very patient. Sometimes he can be a bit temperamental and a little nervous, but above all, I would highlight his patience.
10.- What do you think SOLTRA has contributed to your family?
We are very happy to see how Emilio has fully integrated into society. Having a job has given him more confidence and helps others see and treat him as an equal.
ITINERARY PROGRAM
The Itinerary Program is a project driven and co-financed by the European Social Fund, the Castilla y León Regional Government, and social services, implemented by the SOLTRA Foundation.
The development of the project aims to improve the employability of participants through actions that promote social and labor inclusion by creating a social and community network among them. To achieve this, an individualized life project is carried out, taking into account the personal, physical, mental, social, and family situation of each participant. The level of support varies depending on each person and their life stage.
To be eligible for the program, participants must be 16 years or older, possess a disability certificate or IPT (Inability to Perform Work), and be registered in Castilla y León.
In 2024, 140 people participated, of which 78 found employment.
C/ Monseñor Ramón Zubieta, 9. 24198 La Virgen del Camino – León
How would you define yourself? Tall and smart
How long do you usually sleep? 7 hours
One hobby? Watch TV, talk on the phone
One film? No one
One sport? Swimming, volleyball, tennis...
Your favorite meal? No one
Anything you hate?
I don’t usually hate anything
What´s your favorite part of the itinerary?
I like the laundry training activity, especially folding clothes.
Why did you sign up for the itinerary?
Because I would love to work here.
How would you define yourself? Young, responsible, and full of life.
How long do you usually sleep? 7 hours
One hobby? Listening to music
One film? Stalingrado
One sport? Football
Your favorite meal? Grilled beef
Anything you hate? Bad vibes make me feel uncomfortable.
What´s your favorite part of the itinerary?
Being able to sit and feel fulfilled while doing things.
Why did you sign up for the itinerary? Workforce reintegration and learning values.
IAGO
ESCARLINA
DARWIN
ÁLVARO
How would you define yourself? Diligent worker
How long do you usually sleep? Very little
One hobby?
Search for information about cars on the internet. One film? Fast and Furious
One sport? Football and basketball
Your favorite meal? Lasagna
Anything you hate? That they mess with my family
What´s your favorite part of the itinerary?
The activities we carry out here
Why did you sign up for the itinerary?
Support in active job search
DARÍO
How would you define your self? Cheerful and affectionate
How long do you usually sleep? 7 hours
One hobby? Football One film? The Avengers
One sport? I like going to the gym
Your favorite meal? Mexican food
Anything you hate? To wake up early
What´s your favorite part of the itinerary? The way they treat us and how they teach us new things.
Why did you sign up for the itinerary? My family advised me to do it
How would you define your self? Responsible
How long do you usually sleep? 8 hours
One hobby? Go to the cinema
One film? Star Wars
One sport? Swimming
Your favorite meal? Pasta
Anything you hate? That people argue and judge.
What´s your favorite part of the itinerary?
Learning new things here helps me improve.
Why did you sign up for the itinerary? I came to try new things, I liked wiring, and now laundry.
The Holy Week Museum has just been inaugurated. What does this space mean for the brotherhoods and the city?
It’s a source of pride. The Vicar General said at the inauguration that it was “everyone’s home,” and that’s true. There is still much to be done, but it is a meeting place and a representation of all the brotherhoods.
What are your thoughts on inclusion in Holy Week?
Holy Week has always been inclusive. There are no restrictions for anyone. There are 16 brotherhoods, and surely anyone can find their place in one of them. What’s missing is better communication so people become aware of this. Initiatives like SOLTRA, which handcraft dolls shaped like our León papones, also help bring our Holy Week closer to everyone.
Solidarity Heart
What does it mean to be the first woman to preside ?
I wasn’t seeking it, but they encouraged me to do it. For me, it’s an honor. It’s another step to show that Holy Week belongs to everyone. When I was abbess at María del Dulce Nombre, I noticed some condescension, but now I face different challenges. However, the role of women has evolved a lot. Before, we could only be Manolas; now, we participate actively.
What has been the biggest challenge so far?
At times, Holy Week still reflects a predominantly male tradition, and although there are still some resistances to change, we continue moving toward a more inclusive and participatory celebration for everyone. This year, we also have the honor of having a female pregonera, Marta Franco, and for me, it is a source of
pride that this has happened during my term.
What initiatives are there this year?
The museum will play a leading role, as it will be the starting point for several brotherhoods in their processions. Additionally, we are going to strengthen the Holy Week information point, which will also give visibility to the museum, where we will hold several exhibitions throughout the year. For me, the most special will be the one about the role of the escorts in Holy Week.
¿What message do you want to send to the people of León?
Above all, enjoy it and also live it by sharing and including others.
Talk about the changes in disability legislation
At the Mrs. Cinia Residence of the SOLTRA Foundation, we hosted an informative talk about the latest changes in disability legislation. The session was led by Mr. Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Hernández, former Deputy Prosecutor for the Protection of People with Disabilities in Castilla y León, who currently works in Madrid.
During the talk, it was explained how the new regulations eliminate judicial incapacitation and guardianship, replacing them with personalized support systems such as curatorship. These changes aim to ensure that people with disabilities have a more active role in decision-making about their lives.
The attendees, including residents, participants from the Occupational Center, and students from the Social and Health Care course at Cáritas León, were able to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the transition from guardianship to curatorship and other key aspects of the law.
Storytelling session with Adrián Yeste
At the Mrs Cinia Residence and Occupational Center, we were joined by Adrián Yeste, a storyteller with a great ability to awaken emotions and make us laugh. With his humor and sensitivity, he reminded us of the importance of keeping the child within us alive, without losing maturity, the capacity for wonder, and sensitivity toward life. Some of his published works include Caracoleo (AZ Editora), Las náufragas (Eldevives), Un pie en cada lado (Eldevives), Animal con todas las letras (del Naranjo), La acróbata del desierto (Azulejitos), Macedonio y la planta de zapallo (Eldevives), and Hermano (Lecturita Ediciones). Through his stories, Adrián took us on a journey of imagination, showing us that stories can be a powerful tool for moving forward.
