Building Belonging: How Cooper Standard Is Creating Inclusive Employment Opportunities in Brazil

Key Takeaways

• Cooper Standard partnered with APAE de Jarinu to establish Mini Fábrica, a hands-on training program for individuals with moderate to severe intellectual challenges in Atibaia, Brazil.
• The initiative recreates real manufacturing operations to help participants develop workplace skills, confidence and independence.
• Following 60 days of training, the first group of participants began working at Cooper Standard's Atibaia facility in June 2024.
• The program earned Cooper Standard recognition as a finalist in the 2026 Anthem Awards.

Creating an inclusive workplace means providing meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to develop their skills, contribute and succeed.

Cooper Standard is putting that commitment into action through Mini Fábrica, a workforce training initiative at our Atibaia, Brazil location developed in partnership with APAE de Jarinu, an organization supporting individuals with intellectual challenges.

Through hands-on training in a simulated manufacturing environment, the program helps prepare participants for employment at Cooper Standard while building skills that extend beyond the workplace.

Creating a Pathway to Employment

The idea for Mini Fábrica emerged in the first half of 2023, driven by an opportunity to expand access to workforce training.

Working with APAE de Jarinu, Cooper Standard established a dedicated training center where participants could gain hands-on experience in workplace operations. Construction was completed in December 2023, and the first group of participants began training in March 2024.

During the 60-day training program, participants gained practical experience and became familiar with manufacturing operations. By late June 2024, the first group began working at the plant, marking a significant milestone in the program's goal of creating pathways to employment.

"The success of Mini Fábrica reinforces the importance of recognizing individual potential and creating an environment where people have the opportunity to contribute. It's been rewarding to see this initiative come to life and the positive impact it has had on both participants and our team."

- Renato Maleckas, Managing Director - Brazil, Cooper Standard.

Beyond developing workplace skills, Mini Fábrica helps participants build confidence and strengthen their independence. Once hired, they receive full benefits, which also helps them support their families. These opportunities for personal growth and a greater sense of belonging extend the program's impact beyond the manufacturing environment.

Recognizing the Impact of Inclusion
Cooper Standard's Mini Fábrica initiative has been named a finalist in the 2026 Anthem Awards, which recognize purpose-driven initiatives and positive social impact. The program was recognized in the Accessibility & Disability Inclusion category within the broader Belonging & Inclusion cause area.

Putting Inclusion Into Practice
Mini Fábrica reflects Cooper Standard's broader commitment to fostering an inclusive culture across its global operations. By turning that commitment into meaningful action through local partnerships, the Company is helping create new opportunities for individuals and the communities where we operate.

Learn more about Cooper Standard's commitment to its people and communities in our Corporate Responsibility Report.