Maxion Wheels, a leading global manufacturer of wheels for various vehicles, in collaboration with Brazil’s Iochpe Foundation and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), has officially launched its first Formare program in Asia. The inauguration took place at the new Formare Learning Center in Pune, India.
Formare, an academic scholarship program designed to support underprivileged youth, has been successful in Brazil and Mexico. This marks its first expansion into India, where 26 students from economically weaker sections (EWS) have been selected for a two-year program. The program began with classes at SPPU in July, followed by professional training at Kalyani Maxion Wheels’ manufacturing facility in Pune.
“The introduction of Formare in India marks a significant milestone for our company, demonstrating Iochpe-Maxion’s commitment to changing lives through education and opportunities,” said Marcos Oliveira, President and CEO of Iochpe-Maxion, and Chairman of the Iochpe Foundation. “For over 35 years, we have effectively bridged classroom education with practical workplace experience for thousands of students in Brazil and Mexico, and we are thrilled to now extend this impactful program to India.”
“People and culture are at the heart of everything we do, whether it’s the wellbeing and inclusion of our employees or addressing the social and environmental needs of our communities,” commented Pieter Klinkers, CEO of Maxion Wheels. “Formare’s main goal is to improve the job prospects of underprivileged youth, particularly in the Pune area. I’m proud of the company and our many Formare volunteers who work diligently to help create a better shared future for everyone.”
Sutheep Ratnabhas, President of Maxion Wheels’ Asia business unit, noted, “Unlike other scholarship programs in the region, Formare isn’t about grooming students to become future employees of the company. Instead, we aim to equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in the broader job market. Formare enhances job readiness and industry knowledge, thereby unlocking numerous employment opportunities after graduation.”
Claudio Anjos, President of the Iochpe Foundation, praised Maxion Wheels’ leadership in expanding the Formare program to India, saying, “For nearly 25 years, our foundation has partnered closely with Maxion Wheels in Brazil and Mexico. By providing educational and professional training opportunities to young people in need, Formare has the potential to transform lives.”
Prof. Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of SPPU, expressed his pride in partnering with Maxion Wheels to bring this program to fruition, stating, “We are privileged to collaborate with Maxion Wheels on this initiative and to offer academic education to Formare students here at Savitribai Phule Pune University. The program is distinctive in that it removes financial barriers, allowing students to concentrate fully on their education and career development.”
India was chosen as the third country for Formare’s operations to support the government’s initiatives for economically weaker sections and skill development. The selected students will receive a comprehensive scholarship, covering all tuition fees, uniforms, transportation, meals, and a monthly stipend. Upon completion of the two-year program, they will earn a Manufacturing Technology diploma.
The Iochpe Foundation, headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, is dedicated to promoting social transformation through education and professional training. The Formare program, now in its 35th year, is a leading initiative in Brazil, providing professional training to young people from low-income families. Partnering with medium and large companies, Formare offers initial training to students in public high schools. The program, supported by volunteer educators, has trained over 26,000 students, with 89% securing formal jobs after graduation. The courses are certified by prestigious institutions including the Federal University of Technology – Paraná in Brazil, and now, Savitribai Phule Pune University in India.
