New York / Monterrey, 7 July 2014 - Leading manufacturing company Metalsa announced its plans to train and employ high school students in an effort to inspire young engineers towards future technical careers. The company's new commitment to the Business Call to Action (BCtA) aims to train an estimated 7,600 new students by 2020.

To meet the challenge of providing technical skills and professional development to high school students in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, the company has committed to employ an estimated 130 trainees. Metalsa will identify high-potential students and support them with specialized training in math, physics and science. The company is also committed to providing continuous skills training and curriculum to support teachers and managers who often lack the resources to encourage math and science education. Targeting low-income communities, Metalsa is working to remove the barriers in educating youth and is providing hands-on training, workshops, and mentoring to prepare young people for viable workforce options.

It is vital that companies like Metalsa work to inspire a new generation of young people in manufacturing and engineering careers, stated Sahba Sobhani, Acting Programme Manager of the Business Call to Action. Such efforts go a long way to help prepare qualified young people as technicians and in vocations with long-term potential.

Metalsa's commitment to preparing young people for technical careers and creating opportunities for improved livelihoods is part of its broader collaboration with partners including Lego Education and Mexico's Department of Education. The company has currently adopted 11 schools in Argentina and Mexico, and is focused on further improving workforce readiness by providing innovative training in additional schools and with new partners. Being part of Business Call to Action strengthens our commitment to a better world in the educational field. We strive to inspire the knowledge and skills required in manufacturing required to gain meaningful employment, according to Leopoldo Cedillo Villarreal, Chief Executive Officer of Metalsa.

For further information, please contact:

BCtA: Karen Newman, Karen.Newman@undp.org, 1.212.906-5194

Metalsa: Eduardo Perez Valdes, Eduardo.Perez@metalsa.com, 52 844 141 6742

Business Call to Action (BCtA) Business Call to Action is a global initiative that challenges companies to develop inclusive business models that offer the potential for development impact along with commercial success. The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, UK Department for International Development, US Agency for International Development, United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Global Compact, and the Clinton Global Initiative to meet the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Companies report on progress toward commitments on an annual basis. To learn more, please visit www.businesscalltoaction.org or join the conversation on Twitter at @BCtAInitiative

Metalsa S.A. de C.V. Metalsa, a subsidiary of Grupo Proeza, manufactures structural components for the light and commercial vehicle markets. Products include chassis frames, body structural stampings and assemblies for passenger cars and light trucks as well as side rails and cross members for heavy trucks and buses. The company works in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, Russia, the United States and Venezuela, and in the United Kingdom through a joint venture. Metalsa distinguishes itself by offering quality, differentiated service and innovation, competitiveness and customization to each customer. Founded in 1956, Metalsa has approximately 9,000 employees globally. For additional information, visit http://www.metalsa.com.

About Grupo Proeza Grupo Proeza is a privately held Mexican group with three business members: Metalsa, Citrofrut and Zanitas. Its corporate headquarters are located in Monterrey, Mexico and it employs 11,000 people. The Group has a global presence and provides services and products around the world. For additional information, visit http://www.proeza.com.mx.