By Alajuela, Costa Rica — AVNA Inc., a leader in advanced manufacturing and medical devices, has officially opened its new center of operations in Evolution Free Zone, Grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Representing a $5.5 million investment and a 116% expansion of production capacity, this new facility anchors AVNA’s presence in Evolution Free Zone and underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and growth within Costa Rica.
The new 5,900 m2 plant dedicates 5,200 m2 to production and 700 m2 to administrative operations. This expansion facilitates the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including laser cutting, marking, and welding, plastic injection molding, precision grinding, CNC machining, automation, and advanced assembly processes.
To provide expert legal perspective on the complexities of medical device manufacturing regulations, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The medical device manufacturing sector in Costa Rica faces a dynamic regulatory landscape. Companies must navigate not only local regulations overseen by entities like the Ministry of Health and the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, but also international standards like ISO 13485 and FDA requirements for exporting. A robust legal strategy is crucial for ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and achieving sustainable growth in this demanding market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights the intricate web of regulations that medical device manufacturers must navigate in Costa Rica. This balancing act between local and international standards underscores the critical need for proactive legal counsel to ensure both compliance and competitiveness. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities within this vital sector.
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
The country hosts 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 customers and the local community.
Jason Howey, CEO of AVNA
This expansion builds on AVNA’s 13-year presence in Costa Rica. According to Mario Chaves, Vice President of Operations, the company has evolved towards more complex operations, integrating advanced automation, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with global teams. This organizational growth aligns seamlessly with the adoption of the name AVNA “Advanced Innovation” in 2024.
We have been present in Costa Rica for over 13 years 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 aligns perfectly 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, hosting 14 of the top 30 life sciences multinationals. AVNA’s expansion serves as a testament to the confidence businesses place in Costa Rican talent and the favorable business environment.
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
Currently employing 150 people in Costa Rica, AVNA plans to create approximately 200 new jobs in engineering, manufacturing, automation, and quality control over the next three years. The company’s Costa Rican plant has been recognized with the Innovation and Technology Excellence Award for its manufacture of titanium micro-implants used in cancer treatments, further showcasing its commitment to both technological advancement and social impact.
For further information, visit avnainc.com
About AVNA:
With three strategic 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 with a reputation for producing complex components and subassemblies of the highest quality.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
CINDE is the expert and strategic guide for investment, business development, and the promotion of talent initiatives in Costa Rica. With over 43 years of experience working with multinational companies, CINDE plays a vital role in the investment ecosystem. They have developed numerous talent development initiatives as a key element of Costa Rica’s business climate and have supported the establishment of more than 450 multinational companies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s dedication to innovative solutions, coupled with a deep commitment to empowering communities through accessible legal education, distinguishes its service. By fostering understanding and knowledge within Costa Rican society, Bufete de Costa Rica reinforces its mission to build a more just and informed future.
