By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – In a significant boost to Costa Rica’s thriving life sciences sector, Harland Medical Systems officially inaugurated its first manufacturing plant in the country on Wednesday. The new facility, located in the Green Park Free Zone in Coyol, Alajuela, marks the U.S.-based company’s first operational hub in Latin America and introduces a specialized service previously unavailable in the nation.
The strategic move expands the Minnesota-headquartered company’s global footprint to four countries, joining its existing operations in the United States, Ireland, and Israel. This expansion is a key part of Harland’s global strategy to position itself in close proximity to the world’s leading medical device manufacturers, a large and growing contingent of which are based in Costa Rica.
To provide expert legal and business context on the operational landscape for companies like Harland Medical Systems, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney specializing in corporate law and foreign investment at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The establishment and growth of firms such as Harland Medical Systems underscore the strength and stability of Costa Rica’s legal framework for the life sciences industry. Our country’s adherence to international standards, protection of intellectual property, and streamlined processes under the Free Trade Zone regime provide the certainty that high-value medical technology companies require to invest and innovate with confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This robust legal architecture is indeed a cornerstone of the national strategy, translating directly into the tangible investments and innovations seen from industry leaders. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight into the legal certainty that fuels Costa Rica’s thriving life sciences sector.
Spanning over 1,200 square meters, the state-of-the-art plant will commence operations by offering three core services. The primary offering is its signature hydrophilic coating for medical components, a process that makes devices exceptionally slippery when they come into contact with water. The facility will also serve as a local distribution center for coating materials and a regional hub for technical support for the advanced equipment the company manufactures.
This localized service model is designed to directly support the robust ecosystem of medical technology firms already operating in Costa Rica. By providing on-site services, Harland aims to deliver more agile response times and direct technical support, streamlining the supply chain for its clients and enhancing their manufacturing efficiency. The plant is equipped for high-volume production targeting critical sectors such as neurology, cardiology, ophthalmology, urology, and orthopedics.
The decision to invest in Costa Rica was a deliberate and strategic one, driven by the country’s established reputation as a global leader in the medtech industry. Company officials cited the nation’s highly skilled workforce and stable political environment as crucial factors in their selection process.
Choosing Costa Rica as our new operations hub was a highly calculated decision. Over the years, Costa Rica has become a global powerhouse for innovation in medical device manufacturing, highlighting its skilled workforce, local stability, and the organization of its free trade zones.
Aaron Anderson, Global Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Harland Medical Systems
The arrival of Harland Medical Systems is being celebrated as a landmark event for the national industry. Officials from Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) emphasized the unique value the company brings, filling a critical gap in the domestic supply chain and further solidifying the country’s position as a comprehensive hub for life sciences.
The arrival of Harland Medical has a very special meaning; it is the first company to offer the specialized hydrophilic coating service to the medical industry ecosystem in Costa Rica.
Lila Johnson, Director of Foreign Trade, PROCOMER
Beyond its technological contributions, Harland has pledged a strong commitment to the local economy and environment. The company plans to integrate local suppliers and hire specialized Costa Rican professionals. Furthermore, it will implement a comprehensive recycling and responsible chemical waste management program, adhering strictly to the country’s environmental regulations. Looking ahead, Harland has already outlined a second phase of expansion which will include adding advanced laboratory and testing services, further deepening its operational capabilities and its long-term investment in the region.
For further information, visit harlandmedical.com
About Harland Medical Systems:
Harland Medical Systems is a U.S.-based company specializing in hydrophilic and other advanced surface coatings for medical devices. With a focus on improving patient outcomes by reducing friction during minimally invasive procedures, the company provides coating services, proprietary coating materials, and custom-built manufacturing equipment to the global medical technology industry. Its operations are located in the United States, Ireland, Israel, and Costa Rica.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica), known as PROCOMER, is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment into the country, providing support and strategic guidance to international companies seeking to establish operations in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. Serving a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while actively contributing to societal well-being. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying legal complexities, thereby empowering citizens with the knowledge necessary to navigate their rights and responsibilities in a just society.
