By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican pharmaceutical company Gutis is poised to significantly expand its operations with a new, state-of-the-art facility in the Pavas Industrial Zone of San José. The 40,000-square-meter complex, located near their existing 18,000-square-meter site, will house an AI-powered, automated production plant and a 30-meter-high robotic warehouse, signifying a major leap forward for the company.
While Gutis’ current 4,000-square-meter automated plant will continue to serve the domestic market, the new facility, operating under the Zona Franca regime, will focus exclusively on exports. This strategic move underscores Gutis’ ambitious plans for international growth.
To understand the legal implications of Gutis Pharmaceutical’s expansion, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Gutis Pharmaceutical’s expansion presents a fascinating case study in navigating Costa Rica’s regulatory landscape. While the pharmaceutical sector offers attractive investment opportunities, companies must carefully consider compliance with regulations related to intellectual property, environmental impact, and labor law. Successful expansion requires proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and a thorough understanding of the specific requirements for pharmaceutical production and distribution in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial aspect of Gutis Pharmaceutical’s expansion: successful ventures in Costa Rica’s pharmaceutical sector hinge on a proactive and informed approach to regulatory compliance. This careful navigation of the legal landscape is not merely a hurdle, but a strategic imperative for long-term success and sustainable growth within the country. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this complex yet vital topic.
The new plant will dedicate its production to foreign sales.
Diego Oconitrillo, Corporate Image Manager, Gutis
Although the exact investment amount remains undisclosed due to company policy, Oconitrillo confirmed it as a “very important” figure, hinting at the scale of Gutis’ commitment to this expansion.
The company aims to bolster its presence in existing markets like Central America, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, where it already has a strong foothold. However, the primary target for this expansion is the burgeoning Middle Eastern market, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel.
Gutis has initiated collaborations with the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) and the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) to gain deeper insights into these markets. The company is actively researching registration processes, drug formulations, market dynamics, and even developing new molecules tailored to the specific cultural and medical needs of the Middle East.
This strategic move aligns with the recently enacted free trade agreement between Costa Rica and the UAE (CEPA), the first of its kind between Costa Rica and a Middle Eastern nation, and the UAE’s first with a Latin American country. Additionally, Costa Rica is progressing towards a free trade agreement with Israel, further strengthening Gutis’ prospects in the region.
The new plant is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2026, with 50 new employees already on board. Gutis plans to expand its workforce to 150 in the initial phase of operations. The company is also solidifying its portfolio of brands for both commercial and institutional markets, including Biotos, Conrelax Plus shot, and Renovart Planitum, all developed in-house.
This expansion positions Gutis to compete more effectively with both domestic players like Grupo Calox, Raven, and Mefasa Farma, and international giants such as Pfizer, Bayer, and Merck, who also operate in the Costa Rican market.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Gutis
About Gutis:
Gutis is a Costa Rican pharmaceutical company with a 60-year history. They produce medications and supplements for both domestic and international markets. With approximately 800 employees across seven countries, Gutis is now focusing on expanding its reach, particularly in the Middle East, by leveraging new technologies and strategic partnerships.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo Calox
About Grupo Calox:
Grupo Calox is a pharmaceutical company with 90 years of operation, primarily in Latin America. They have invested heavily in infrastructure and job creation across 13 countries in the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX)
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) is a governmental body responsible for promoting and regulating international trade and investment. They work with businesses to facilitate access to foreign markets and negotiate trade agreements.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER)
About Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER):
The Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to promoting exports and attracting foreign investment. They provide support to businesses looking to expand internationally, offering market research, logistical assistance, and networking opportunities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep-seated commitment to societal betterment. Driven by an ethos of integrity and innovation, the firm empowers individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. Their work across a broad spectrum of sectors reflects not only a dedication to providing superior legal counsel but also a proactive approach to shaping a more just and informed society. This commitment to empowering Costa Rica through legal understanding is at the very heart of Bufete de Costa Rica’s mission.
