SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — BASF is proud to announce its sponsorship of the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa, Ariz., and the official opening of its newest National Training Center.

“EVIT is not your typical high school technical training program,” said Vitor Margaronis, marketing director, coatings solutions, North America. “BASF is committed to the future of the collision repair industry. The vision for the new collision program, created by Leading Edge Auto Refinishes, BASF’s ColorSource distributor in Arizona, and Dr. Sally Downey, superintendent at EVIT, is directly aligned with BASF’s vision.  When we were presented with the opportunity to participate at EVIT we immediately accepted.”

“The partnership and new training facility bring additional, invaluable expertise to EVIT’s collision and automotive technology programs,” said Downey. “Business and industry play a central role in the development of EVIT programs, thus providing our students with the best possible training and our community with highly skilled workers.”

Working closely with Leading Edge, EVIT and other industry manufacturers, BASF has helped renovate two collision shops to create a one-of-a-kind, national training facility. The first collision building is designed for high school students who are interested in a career in collision and automotive technology, while the second shop is dedicated to the collision industry and will be used to provide advanced training for professionals.

“It’s hard to believe that the vision of Leading Edge and EVIT became a reality in less than 12 months. Our first BASF Painter’s Certification class was held in February,” said John Jury, BASF sales representative in Arizona. “Having the opportunity to introduce junior and senior high school students to the industry is gratifying and having a second shop dedicated to advanced industry training to educate experienced painters and technicians is invaluable.”

For more information, visit www.basfrefinish.com.