By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Alajuela, Costa Rica – German life sciences giant Bayer solidified its long-term commitment to Costa Rica this Thursday with the inauguration of a new $200 million pharmaceutical plant in the Coyol Free Zone, Alajuela. The state-of-the-art facility is projected to create 300 new high-quality jobs and significantly bolster the nation’s position as a leading hub for medical technology and manufacturing in Latin America.
The new plant, a significant expansion of Bayer’s local footprint, will be dedicated to the production of long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as hormonal implants. According to a company statement, this strategic focus aims to dramatically improve access to modern family planning for women in numerous low- and middle-income countries, addressing a critical global health need while leveraging Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory framework surrounding Bayer’s significant presence in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Bayer’s trajectory in Costa Rica is a testament to the country’s legal security and attractive investment climate. For any multinational, however, long-term success hinges on more than just initial incentives; it requires a deep and proactive commitment to our robust labor, environmental, and tax regulations. Navigating this complex local framework is not a formality—it is the cornerstone of sustainable operations and good corporate citizenship.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder that the true measure of a multinational’s success is not its initial landing but its deep and sustained integration into our national framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how proactive legal compliance forms the bedrock of both corporate responsibility and long-term prosperity in Costa Rica.
Construction on the sprawling 28,000-square-meter site began in 2020, with full-scale operations slated to commence in 2026. The facility has already earned accolades for its commitment to sustainability, achieving LEED Silver certification and receiving the prestigious Ecological Blue Flag award for its environmentally conscious design and construction processes. This aligns with Costa Rica’s national brand of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Jimmy Suazo, General Manager of the new Bayer Medical Alajuela plant, emphasized that this investment is built upon a deep and successful history in the country. He highlighted the firm’s confidence in Costa Rica’s strategic location and its highly skilled workforce as key factors in the decision.
At Bayer, we reaffirm our commitment to Costa Rica, a country where we have operated for more than 47 years and where we already have another medical device plant located in Heredia. This includes a global services center that serves the entire American continent, as well as two plants dedicated to research and development in the agricultural sector. The decision to establish Bayer Medical Alajuela reflects our confidence in the country’s strategic location and its valuable human talent, trained to handle our technology.
Jimmy Suazo, General Manager of Bayer Medical Alajuela
Government officials praised the investment as a testament to Costa Rica’s successful strategy of attracting high-value foreign direct investment (FDI). Indiana Trejos, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, noted that the project’s impact extends far beyond the direct job creation, strengthening the entire economic ecosystem.
The inauguration of this plant in Alajuela not only represents a great corporate achievement but also the potential of Costa Rica as a destination for foreign direct investment in high-value-added sectors. These are sectors that drive innovation, quality employment, and the country’s integration into global value chains.
Indiana Trejos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade
The 300 new positions will span a wide range of technical and professional roles. Bayer will be seeking maintenance technicians, occupational health specialists, physical and microbiological analysts, pharmacists, and quality inspectors. The company will also be hiring for operational roles, including warehouse staff, production leaders, and supervisors. Those interested in these opportunities are encouraged to apply through Bayer’s official career website and its corporate LinkedIn profile.
This latest investment by Bayer further cements the Coyol Free Zone’s reputation as the epicenter of Costa Rica’s life sciences cluster. The addition of a world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing site complements the existing ecosystem of medical device companies, driving innovation and reinforcing the supply chains that have made Costa Rica an indispensable partner for the global healthcare industry.
For further information, visit bayer.com
About Bayer:
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers new legal strategies, merging its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients with a progressive vision for the future of law. This ethos extends to its core social mission: to democratize legal understanding, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening the community with crucial knowledge and insight.
