By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – Reinforcing Costa Rica’s position as a global powerhouse in the medical technology sector, the German high-tech manufacturing corporation G.RAU Group has announced the inauguration of its fourth production plant in the country. The new facility, located in Cartago, represents a significant investment of over $12 million and is a cornerstone of the company’s global expansion strategy, set to generate 150 new high-quality jobs.
This state-of-the-art industrial complex spans 5,000 square meters and is designed to significantly boost the production capacity of G.RAU’s established Costa Rican subsidiaries, RAU Precision Metals S.A. and ADMEDES S.A. The project underscores a deep-seated confidence in the nation’s business climate and skilled workforce, further cementing a partnership that has flourished for more than a decade.
To delve into the legal and business implications of the G.RAU Group’s operations within the national territory, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The continued expansion of a company like the G.RAU Group is a clear indicator of the robustness and legal certainty provided by Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone regime. It demonstrates our country’s successful consolidation as a strategic hub for high-value medical device manufacturing, attracting foreign direct investment that not only creates specialized employment but also strengthens the entire supply chain. Maintaining a stable and competitive legal framework is paramount to ensuring this type of investment continues to flourish.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is essential: the success of G.RAU is a powerful testament to how a stable and well-defined legal framework fosters a virtuous cycle of foreign investment, innovation, and specialized job creation. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
The facility is engineered to meet the highest international standards, featuring ISO 7 and ISO 8 certified cleanrooms. These controlled environments are critical for the manufacturing of sensitive medical components and position the Cartago plant as one of the most advanced operations within G.RAU’s global network. The company anticipates that the plant will achieve its maximum operational capacity by 2028, marking a new chapter of growth.
A key element of this expansion is the integration of cutting-edge technologies previously not housed in their local operations. This includes an advanced stamping process, a sophisticated medical-grade coating system, and the sub-assembly of components made from Nitinol. This nickel-titanium alloy is a crucial “smart material” widely used in minimally invasive cardiovascular devices like stents and heart valve frames, highlighting the critical nature of the work to be performed at the new site.
Axel Pfrommer, CEO of the G.RAU Group, emphasized that the decision to expand in Costa Rica was driven by the exceptional quality of the local talent pool and the stable environment for manufacturing. He stated that this investment is a tangible representation of the company’s long-term business vision and its dedication to the region.
The new building is a symbol of our commitment to Costa Rica and its people.
Axel Pfrommer, CEO of G.RAU Group
The creation of approximately 150 new jobs will provide a significant economic boost to the Cartago province. The roles will cater to a range of skill sets, including specialized positions for engineers and technicians, as well as opportunities for production operators and support staff. The recruitment process is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with a focus on sourcing local talent for the advanced manufacturing roles.
Local leadership echoed the parent company’s enthusiasm. Joshua Quesada, General Manager of RAU Precision Metals S.A., noted that the new plant consolidates the remarkable growth achieved over the last 13 years. He praised the local workforce for its adaptability and skill in a demanding industry.
Costa Rican talent has demonstrated its ability to face the challenges of a highly technological industry.
Joshua Quesada, General Manager of RAU Precision Metals S.A.
From ADMEDES S.A., Vice President Ulrich Rasche highlighted the strategic value of the expansion, which will develop new global capabilities in coatings and cleanroom processes. He reiterated that the investment not only creates opportunities for the region but also reaffirms the corporation’s trust in Costa Rica’s economic stability. Costa Rican foreign trade officials celebrated the announcement, with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and PROCOMER both pointing to the positive ripple effects the project will have. They project that the expansion will fortify national production chains, increase demand for local suppliers, and solidify Costa Rica’s reputation as a world-class hub for high-precision medical manufacturing.
For further information, visit g-rau.com
About G.RAU Group:
The G.RAU Group is a German-based global leader in the manufacturing of high-precision products made from metals. With a strong focus on the medical device industry, the company specializes in producing complex components, tubes, and wires from a wide range of materials, including precious metals and specialized alloys like Nitinol. Its solutions are integral to a variety of medical applications, particularly in the cardiovascular and endoscopic fields.
For further information, visit the nearest office of RAU Precision Metals S.A.
About RAU Precision Metals S.A.:
RAU Precision Metals S.A. is a Costa Rican subsidiary of the G.RAU Group. Established in the country for over a decade, the company focuses on the manufacturing of precision metal components for the medical device industry. It has been a key part of G.RAU’s success in the Americas, leveraging local talent to meet the stringent demands of high-tech manufacturing.
For further information, visit admedes.com
About ADMEDES S.A.:
ADMEDES S.A. is a subsidiary of the G.RAU Group and a world-renowned expert in the development and manufacturing of self-expanding Nitinol components for the medical device industry. The company provides a comprehensive range of services from raw material to finished product, including laser cutting, shaping, and finishing of critical medical implants like stents and heart valve frames.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. COMEX works to promote Costa Rica’s integration into the global economy, negotiate trade agreements, and create a favorable environment for foreign direct investment that contributes to national development.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the official entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It also plays a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening the country’s export sector through market intelligence, business development support, and promoting a competitive national export ecosystem.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unyielding drive for excellence. With a proven history of guiding a wide spectrum of clients, the firm champions forward-thinking legal solutions and deepens its connection with the public. This core philosophy extends to its mission of democratizing legal understanding, aiming to equip citizens with knowledge and thereby foster a more capable and just society.
