Maxion Structural Components Celebrates Formare Launch in Argentina
Argentina selected as the fourth country for the educational program, bringing new opportunities to young people and strengthening connections between industry and education.
Maxion Structural Components, a leader in automotive structural components in the Americas, and a business unit of Iochpe‑Maxion, today inaugurated a Formare program in Córdoba, Argentina, during an official opening ceremony held at Maxion Montich. The launch marks the fourth country for Maxion to implement the innovative professional education program – after Brazil, Mexico and India – and underscores the Company’s long‑term commitment to education, social inclusion and youth employability.
Created by the Iochpe Foundation in Brazil, Formare has helped transform the lives of young people from underprivileged communities by combining formal education with hands‑on industrial experience for more than 3 decades. The expansion to Argentina brings this proven model to a region where access to education, formal employment and social mobility remains a significant challenge for youth.
In Argentina, around 30% of young people between 18 and 24 years old neither study nor work, while youth unemployment reaches nearly 20%, almost three times higher than the adult rate. In addition, informal employment affects up to 70% of working youth, and fewer than four in ten young people continue studying after secondary school. These challenges make initiatives that connect education, professional qualification and industry particularly critical.
“Bringing Formare to Argentina, and specifically to Córdoba, reflects our belief in the transformative power of education,” said Pieter Klinkers, President and CEO of Iochpe‑Maxion. “For more than 35 years, Formare and Maxion have proven that when young people are given access to quality education and real professional experience, lives change. Launching this program at Maxion Montich is another step in fulfilling our purpose of creating long‑term value for society.”
Córdoba was selected for the new Formare location due to its role as one of Argentina’s most important industrial hubs, particularly in the automotive and metal‑mechanic sectors, as well as the region’s need for initiatives that promote productive inclusion and employment opportunities for young people. The Formare unit at Maxion Montich is currently the only program of its kind in Argentina.
“Córdoba combines strong industrial capabilities with significant challenges for young people entering the labor market,” said Renato Brighenti, CEO Maxion Structural Components. “With Formare, we are connecting education to real industry needs while empowering young people with skills that will support their professional and personal development – whether they choose a career within Maxion or pursue opportunities elsewhere.”
The program’s first edition will support 10 students over an 8-month period and will be certified by Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN) – Faculdad Regional Cordoba. Locally, Formare will be supported by the dedication of 41 volunteer educators from Maxion Montich and the collaboration of eight partner suppliers, creating what the Company describes as an unprecedented level of synergy among employees, partners and the community.
“This initiative would not be possible without the commitment of our volunteers and partners,” said Claudio Anjos, President of the Iochpe Foundation. “Their engagement shows how education becomes truly powerful when companies, employees and communities work together toward a common goal.”
For Maxion Montich, the launch represents a milestone in local social responsibility efforts and a source of inspiration for the broader industrial community in Argentina.
“We hope this experience encourages other companies to follow the same path,” said Ramon Ramirez, Unit Director, Maxion Montich. “Beyond its nature of a training program Formare is an opportunity to open doors, build confidence and expand horizons for young people seeking a chance to change their lives.”
With the launch in Argentina, Formare continues to strengthen its international presence as a successful educational model born in Brazil, reaffirming Iochpe‑Maxion’s commitment to developing people, supporting communities and contributing to more inclusive and sustainable growth wherever it operates.
