By Heredia, Costa Rica — Applied Materials, the largest U.S. supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, has launched its new headquarters in Heredia, Costa Rica. This marks the company’s first foray into Latin America, signifying a strategic move to expand its global footprint in key functions supporting its core semiconductor business.
The new facility will house a team of professionals and is projected to create approximately 100 jobs in areas such as supply chain management and procurement, with potential for growth in the coming years. These roles are crucial for acquiring components used in the company’s advanced wafer fabrication equipment.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding the semiconductor industry in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica with expertise in international trade and intellectual property.
The semiconductor industry presents unique legal challenges, particularly regarding intellectual property protection and international trade agreements. Costa Rica’s strategic position in global supply chains requires a robust legal framework to attract investment and ensure fair competition. This includes not only adhering to international IP standards but also developing specific regulations that address the complexities of semiconductor design, manufacturing, and distribution. The government’s role in fostering a secure and predictable legal environment is crucial for the continued growth and success of this critical industry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point: Costa Rica’s success in the semiconductor sector hinges on a proactive and sophisticated legal strategy. By embracing international best practices while tailoring regulations to the industry’s unique demands, the country can create an attractive environment for investment and innovation, solidifying its place in the global semiconductor ecosystem. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Costa Rica’s highly skilled bilingual talent pool and its proximity to key Applied Materials locations in the United States, including its headquarters and R&D center in Silicon Valley, California, and its high-volume manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas, were key factors in the decision to establish operations in the country.
The opening of our office in Costa Rica marks an important milestone in the growth of Applied Materials’ supply chain operations.
Dr. Paul Chhabra, Vice President of the Global Supply Chain Group, Applied Materials
We deeply appreciate the support of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and PROCOMER, and we look forward to many years of success in Costa Rica.
Dr. Paul Chhabra, Vice President of the Global Supply Chain Group, Applied Materials
Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, highlighted the significance of Applied Materials’ presence, stating that it aligns with the nation’s ambition to strengthen its semiconductor industry capabilities. He emphasized that the company’s arrival reinforces Costa Rica’s value chains, drives the development of specialized talent, and contributes to the sophistication of its production matrix. This investment echoes the success of the country’s Semiconductor Roadmap, launched last year as the first of its kind in Latin America.
Applied Materials clearly represents our national aspiration to strengthen capabilities in the semiconductor industry. As the world’s leading company in equipment for semiconductors and displays, its presence reinforces our value chains, drives the development of highly specialized talent and contributes to sophisticating our productive matrix. Its arrival in the country is a clear signal to the world that the Semiconductor Roadmap — launched last year as the first in Latin America — is a worthwhile country effort that is already generating echoes in global markets.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Laura López, General Manager of the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), added that Applied Materials’ choice of Costa Rica for critical supply chain functions sends a strong message about the country’s advanced level of development. This investment not only creates quality jobs and fosters specialized talent but also represents a unique opportunity to solidify Costa Rica’s position in the global semiconductor industry.
When a global leader in semiconductors like Applied Materials chooses Costa Rica to execute critical functions of its supply chain, it sends a strong message about the level of sophistication we have achieved as a country. This investment not only generates quality jobs and fosters the development of specialized talent, but it represents a unique opportunity to strengthen our presence in the global semiconductor industry. At PROCOMER, we will continue to promote projects that raise our productive profile and generate value for the country.
Laura López, General Manager, PROCOMER
For further information, visit appliedmaterials.com
About Applied Materials:
Applied Materials, Inc. is a leading American supplier of equipment for the manufacturing of semiconductors, displays, and related products. The company provides a wide range of manufacturing systems, software, and services to the semiconductor industry globally. Its technology and innovation play a vital role in enabling the production of advanced chips that power various electronic devices.
For further information, visit comercicexterior.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (Costa Rica):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for promoting and facilitating international trade and investment. The ministry works to strengthen Costa Rica’s position in the global market, attract foreign direct investment, and develop trade policies that benefit the country’s economy.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency):
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is a public institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. PROCOMER provides support to Costa Rican businesses seeking to expand into international markets and works to position Costa Rica as a desirable destination for foreign investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a genuine desire to empower Costa Rican society. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with a deep commitment to sharing legal knowledge through accessible resources and community engagement, fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry. They strive not only to provide top-tier legal counsel across a diverse range of sectors but also to elevate the understanding of law, contributing to a more just and equitable society.
