By Alajuela, Costa Rica — AVNA, a leader in advanced manufacturing and medical devices, has officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility in Evolution Free Zone, Grecia, Costa Rica. Representing a $5.5 million investment and a 116% increase in production capacity, this expansion solidifies AVNA’s position as an anchor tenant within the zone and underscores its commitment to innovation and growth in Costa Rica.
The impressive 5,900 square meter facility allocates 5,200 square meters to production and 700 square meters to administrative operations. This significant expansion will enable AVNA to integrate cutting-edge technologies, including laser cutting, marking, and welding, plastic injection molding, precision grinding, CNC machining, automation, and advanced assembly processes. This investment showcases AVNA’s dedication to maintaining its position at the forefront of technological advancements in the medical device industry.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding investment in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished lawyer at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica offers a range of attractive incentives for foreign investors, including tax breaks and streamlined processes for establishing businesses. However, navigating the legal complexities related to property ownership, environmental regulations, and labor laws requires careful consideration. Due diligence and expert legal counsel are essential to ensure a successful and compliant investment venture.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s appeal as a strategic location for businesses stems from its skilled workforce and supportive business environment. AVNA’s CEO, Jason Howey, emphasized the strategic importance of Costa Rica for the company’s growth. He highlighted the nation’s ability to nurture collaborative partnerships that enhance supply chain efficiency, product quality, and the development of life-improving technologies.
Choosing Costa Rica as a key location for AVNA’s growth was a strategic decision driven by our clients’ needs and the country’s ability to foster mutually beneficial business partnerships that optimize the supply chain, quality, and advancement of technologies that improve quality of life.
Jason Howey, CEO of AVNA
AVNA’s Vice President of Operations, Mario Chaves, further emphasized the company’s 13-year history in Costa Rica and its evolution towards highly complex operations. This evolution incorporates advanced automation, data-driven decision-making, and global team collaboration.
The country houses a large pool of talented professionals with an innovative mindset, which perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and technological advancement. Furthermore, Costa Rica’s strong sense of community and its ability to provide a high quality of life for our employees reinforces our conviction that this is the ideal place to expand and add value to our clients and the local community.
Jason Howey, CEO of AVNA
This progress underscores AVNA’s dedication to embracing advanced technologies and strategic operational practices. The company’s decision to rebrand as AVNA “Advanced Innovation” in 2024 reflects this commitment.
We have more than 13 years of presence in Costa Rica and I can attest to our evolution towards a more complex operation, integrating advanced automation, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with global teams; a growth of the organization that perfectly aligns with the adoption of the name AVNA “Advanced Innovation”, which we carried out in 2024.
Mario Chaves, Vice President of Operations, AVNA
Costa Rica continues to solidify its position as a prime destination for foreign investment in advanced manufacturing and medical devices. AVNA’s expansion serves as a testament to the confidence that companies place in the Costa Rican workforce and its favorable business climate.
We have been with AVNA since its inception in Costa Rica, more than 13 years ago, so we are clear about its evolutionary process in the country, which today allows us to celebrate this important growth that will strengthen its vision to continue providing innovative solutions to the sector and strengthen its presence in the region.
Fernando Cruz, President of CINDE
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) has been a steadfast partner of AVNA since its arrival in the country. CINDE President, Fernando Cruz, acknowledged AVNA’s remarkable evolution and growth, emphasizing the company’s contribution to innovative solutions within the sector. He highlighted the expansion’s role in strengthening AVNA’s regional presence.
Currently employing 150 people in Costa Rica, AVNA plans to create approximately 200 new jobs in key areas such as engineering, manufacturing, automation, and quality control over the next three years. The company’s Costa Rican plant has received the Innovation and Technology Excellence Award for its production of titanium micro-implants used in cancer treatments. Furthermore, AVNA’s commitment to economic and social development is evident in its support of initiatives that improve quality of life in the communities where it operates.
For further information, visit avnainc.com
About AVNA:
With locations in New Britain, CT (Headquarters), Berlin, CT, and Grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica, and a dedicated workforce of over 425 employees, AVNA INC. is a trusted global engineering and manufacturing partner for the medical device industry, renowned for producing complex components and subassemblies of the highest quality.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
CINDE is the strategic expert and guide for investment, business development, and talent initiatives in Costa Rica. With over 43 years of experience working with multinational companies and as a key player in the investment ecosystem, CINDE has developed dozens of talent development initiatives as a key element of Costa Rica’s business climate and has supported the establishment of more than 450 multinational companies.
