São Paulo, September 4, 2024 – Maxion Wheels, a global leader in the manufacturing of wheels for passenger cars, light trucks, buses, commercial trucks, and trailers, in collaboration with the Iochpe Foundation of Brazil and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), today celebrated the launch of the first Formare program in Asia. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new Formare Learning Center in Pune, India, continuing an educational initiative that started in Brazil and has already seen great success in Mexico.
Created in Brazil by the Iochpe Foundation, Formare is a scholarship program that, over 35 years, has transformed the lives of thousands of young people from underprivileged communities, offering a combination of theoretical education and practical training in industries. The arrival of Formare in India marks a new chapter in the history of this program, which has already established itself as an effective professional training model in Brazil and Mexico.
“The expansion of Formare to India is a testament to the excellence and effectiveness of this program, created in Brazil and now exported to yet another continent,” said Marcos Oliveira, President and CEO of Iochpe-Maxion and Chairman of the Iochpe Foundation. “For more than three decades, we have provided young people with an education that combines classroom learning with practical experience, preparing them for the job market. We are excited to share this success with India, a country that now joins this transformative journey.”
Pieter Klinkers, CEO of Maxion Wheels, highlighted the importance of taking Formare beyond Brazilian borders: “People and culture are at the heart of what we do. With Formare, we are not only increasing the employability of young people in vulnerable regions but 
also exporting a proven successful educational methodology. It is an honor to see the social impact of this program expanding globally.”
Claudio Anjos, President of the Iochpe Foundation, celebrated the international expansion of the program: “For the past 25 years, Maxion Wheels has been a key partner in the implementation of Formare. Now, with the launch in India, we reinforce our commitment to transforming lives through education, bringing a successful educational model born in Brazil to new frontiers.”
India was selected as the third country of operation for Formare, with the goal of supporting the Indian government’s Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and skill development initiative. The 26 students selected for the first cohort will receive a comprehensive academic scholarship sponsored by Maxion Wheels. In addition to 100% tuition fee reimbursement, they will receive uniforms, transportation, meals, and a monthly stipend. Upon successful completion of the two-year program, the students will receive an academic diploma in Manufacturing Technology.
“Formare is not just about training future employees but about providing young people with the skills they need to thrive in any path they choose to follow,” said Sutheep Ratnabhas, President of the Asia Business Unit of Maxion Wheels.
With this expansion, Formare reinforces its legacy as an educational program of excellence born in Brazil that continues to break barriers and create opportunities for young people worldwide.