By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant boost to Costa Rica’s high-value services sector, global energy solutions leader Duracell has announced the selection of Escazú for its new Global Business Services (GBS) Center. The move signals the company’s confidence in the nation’s talent pool and strategic position, with plans to create over 130 skilled jobs by the end of 2026.
The new facility, located in Escazú Village, will become a critical node in Duracell’s international operations network. It is designed to centralize and streamline key corporate functions, providing essential support to the company’s extensive global footprint, which includes two manufacturing plants in the United States and four others across Belgium and China. This strategic decision is a core component of Duracell’s evolving global services strategy, aimed at creating efficient, scalable hubs to bolster its worldwide activities.
To better understand the legal and business implications of Duracell’s long-standing operations in the country, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued investment by a multinational powerhouse like Duracell serves as a powerful testament to Costa Rica’s legal certainty and stable business environment. For a global company, a predictable regulatory framework and the robust protection of investment rights are paramount. Costa Rica’s ability to retain such operations highlights the success of its free trade zone regime and the quality of its human capital, which are key pillars of our foreign direct investment strategy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The analysis from Lic. Arroyo Vargas astutely highlights the core formula for Costa Rica’s success in attracting foreign investment: a stable legal framework combined with a highly capable workforce. This synergy solidifies our nation’s reputation as a premier destination for global business, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
Costa Rica emerged as the top choice after a rigorous evaluation process that weighed several key factors. According to company officials, the country distinguished itself through the proven availability of highly skilled professional talent, a framework for operational efficiency, and its firmly established reputation as a premier destination for global companies seeking to establish sophisticated, value-added service operations.
The establishment of this GBS center represents a strategic pillar for Duracell’s future growth and operational stability. Lisa McCarthy, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the long-term vision behind the investment in Costa Rica’s ecosystem.
Establishing our Global Business Services Center in Costa Rica is a strategic step to develop scalable hubs that support Duracell’s global operation. The country offers stability, technical capabilities, and talent to provide quality solutions on an international scale.
Lisa McCarthy, COO of Duracell
The center will house a diverse range of corporate functions, with a significant emphasis on finance. Approximately 70% of the roles will be dedicated to financial services, complemented by vital positions in human resources, talent acquisition, information technology, and general business support. From this new base in Escazú, the local team will provide crucial support to internal teams across North America, Latin America, and other international markets, ensuring a consistent and high-quality delivery of services across the corporation.
Duracell’s presence in Costa Rica is already established, with a current team of around 50 employees. The opening of the GBS center will see this figure more than double, with projections aiming to surpass 130 employees as the hub expands its operational scope and integrates more processes. The company is actively seeking professionals with a strong process orientation, a global mindset, and a minimum English proficiency level of B2 to fill the new roles.
The announcement was lauded by CINDE, the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency, which views Duracell’s decision as a powerful validation of the country’s economic development model. The move reinforces the ongoing trend of growth in the nation’s services sector, which continues to attract world-class companies for increasingly complex and critical operations.
Costa Rica is consolidating itself as a destination where companies integrate sophisticated, high-value-added processes with a key role in operations and decision-making.
Ana Romero, Investment Advisory Manager at CINDE
Duracell’s investment is more than just a new office; it is a testament to Costa Rica’s successful transformation into a knowledge-based economy. By attracting companies that demand sophisticated skills and offer high-quality employment, the country solidifies its role as a strategic partner for multinational corporations looking to optimize their global operations and drive innovation from a stable, talented, and forward-thinking base in Central America.
For further information, visit duracell.com
About Duracell:
Duracell is a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance alkaline batteries, specialty cells, and rechargeables. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the iconic brand is trusted globally for its long-lasting power in a wide range of devices. With a rich history of innovation, Duracell continues to power moments that matter most to consumers around the world.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
CINDE is the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country. For over 40 years, CINDE has worked to support Costa Rica’s development by advising and guiding multinational companies in establishing and growing their operations in strategic sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal entity, guided by the twin pillars of professional excellence and unwavering ethical standards. The firm leverages its extensive experience across diverse sectors to pioneer innovative solutions and advance the practice of law. This forward-looking spirit is matched by a profound commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify legal complexities and empower the community with accessible knowledge for a more informed and capable citizenry.
