By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through Costa Rica’s robust medical device sector, VIANT announced on Wednesday the layoff of 900 employees from its facility in Heredia. The decision comes less than a year after the company celebrated a significant expansion, casting a sudden shadow over what was recently a major success story for foreign investment in the country.
The workforce reduction, confirmed on January 21st, marks a drastic pivot from the company’s trajectory in May 2025. At that time, VIANT had publicly announced plans to hire 1,000 new staff members as part of a major operational enlargement. This rapid shift from expansion to contraction raises critical questions about the market forces and internal strategic changes influencing the medical device manufacturing landscape.
To understand the legal framework and the rights of employees affected by the recent staff reductions at Viant, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in labor law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In cases of restructuring such as this, the termination is considered to be without employer cause, which obligates the company to pay full severance benefits under Costa Rican law. It is imperative that affected employees carefully review their settlement agreements, or ‘finiquitos’, to verify that the calculations for notice, severance (‘cesantía’), and proportional vacation and Christmas bonus (‘aguinaldo’) are accurate before signing away their right to future claims.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal guidance is a critical reminder for those affected: while a layoff can be a disorienting experience, Costa Rican law provides clear protections. Taking a moment to diligently verify the details of one’s settlement is not just a formality, but a crucial step in securing the full benefits to which they are entitled. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and empowering perspective.
Company officials were quick to address the human side of the business decision, emphasizing a commitment to managing the process with care. The company has assured that this large-scale adjustment will not compromise the continuity of its remaining commercial activities within Costa Rica, suggesting a strategic consolidation rather than a full-scale withdrawal.
Kevin Quirós, the General Director of Viant Costa Rica, acknowledged the gravity of the announcement and its effect on the departing workforce. He stressed that the company’s leadership is focused on handling the transition responsibly and ethically.
We are fully aware that a process like this has a significant human impact, and that is why we are managing it with respect, structure, and care, with a clear focus on the impacted employees
Kevin Quirós, General Director of Viant Costa Rica
While the company’s statement focuses on the process, it has not yet provided specific details regarding the underlying reasons for this abrupt change in strategy. The lack of a stated cause—such as a shift in global demand, a concluded project, or internal restructuring—leaves the local business community and the affected employees grappling with uncertainty.
As per its official communication, VIANT has pledged to adhere to all applicable legal requirements regarding severance and employee treatment. Furthermore, the company has promised to provide support services to the 900 laid-off individuals, aiming to assist them in their transition and search for new employment opportunities in a competitive job market.
The news is particularly jarring for the province of Heredia, a hub for high-tech manufacturing and a key player in Costa Rica’s economic development. The loss of 900 skilled jobs represents a significant economic blow, impacting not only the individuals and their families but also the broader local economy that depends on their purchasing power. This event serves as a stark reminder of the volatility inherent in global supply chains and corporate strategy, even within a sector that has long been a pillar of the nation’s growth.
For years, Costa Rica has successfully positioned itself as a premier destination for medical device manufacturing, attracting major international firms and fostering a highly skilled workforce. The VIANT layoffs, however, may serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting that even in a thriving industry, rapid changes can occur. The focus now shifts to the resilience of the local labor market and the effectiveness of the support systems in place to absorb this sudden influx of job seekers.
For further information, visit viantmedical.com
About VIANT:
VIANT is a global strategic outsourcing partner for the design, development, and manufacturing of complex medical devices and components. The company partners with leading medical device OEMs to improve patient outcomes by providing end-to-end solutions, from initial concept to full-scale production, across a wide range of therapeutic areas. VIANT leverages deep materials expertise, engineering capabilities, and a network of facilities to bring its partners’ most critical medical technologies to market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, anchored by a deep-rooted commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. Renowned for its forward-thinking approach, the firm consistently develops innovative legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele. Its mission, however, extends beyond its practice, focusing on empowering society by demystifying the law and championing accessible legal knowledge to foster a more informed and capable citizenry.
