By Cartago, Costa Rica — Cartago, Costa Rica is experiencing a surge in medical device manufacturing activity thanks to a significant investment by Heraeus Medevio. The company, a global partner in design, development, and contract manufacturing for medical device original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), recently inaugurated its Phase III expansion at the Zona Franca La Lima free trade zone.
This $35 million expansion will add 11,000 square meters to the existing facility, eventually reaching a total of 21,000 square meters. The growth is expected to generate 500 new jobs, encompassing specialized professionals to lead Heraeus Medevio’s first Research and Development (R&D) laboratory in Costa Rica.
To provide expert legal perspective on the complexities of medical device manufacturing, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica.
Medical device manufacturing in Costa Rica presents significant opportunities, but navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial. Companies must meticulously adhere to both local regulations, such as those established by the Ministry of Health, and international standards like ISO 13485 to ensure compliance and market access. Furthermore, intellectual property protection is paramount in this innovative sector, and businesses should proactively secure patents and trademarks to safeguard their investments.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
The Phase III manufacturing area introduces advanced capabilities, including the company’s first electrophysiology assembly line. This line will focus on producing complex catheters with electronic components for treating arrhythmia, a condition causing irregular heartbeats.
We are committed to investing in the space and the resources necessary to satisfy the needs of our clients and achieve double-digit annual growth. This expansion will help our current and future clients expedite the commercialization of higher-quality medical devices, as well as contribute to Heraeus Medevio’s vision of improving 100 million lives each year.
Heiko Specht, President of Heraeus Medevio
The investment underscores Heraeus Medevio’s dedication to meeting client demands and fostering innovation in the medical device sector. Costa Rica’s skilled workforce has played a vital role in the company’s local success.
The exceptional talent of Cartago and the highly qualified workforce have allowed us to grow and explore new ways to support current and future partnerships. I am excited to drive the development of our team, both now and in the future.
Anna Jansen, Plant Manager of Heraeus Medevio Costa Rica
Jansen emphasized the importance of the local talent pool in enabling the company’s expansion and exploration of new partnerships.
The expansion of the plant in Costa Rica has been a fundamental pillar in Medevio’s global strategy. Its excellent level of talent, the proximity to our clients and its dynamic ecosystem allow for an optimized supply chain, efficient collaboration and strategic production capacity for our valuable clientele.
Markus Kriegl, Executive Vice President of Global Operations of Heraeus Medevio
Kriegl highlighted the strategic significance of the Costa Rican operation within Heraeus Medevio’s global strategy, citing the country’s talent, proximity to clients, and dynamic ecosystem.
Since its arrival at Zona Franca La Lima, Heraeus has been a benchmark in the medical device industry and a strategic partner in the park’s development. Phase III reaffirms the commitment and confidence in Cartago as a hub of innovation and advanced manufacturing, characteristics that reflect the trust of global companies in our value proposition and in Costa Rica as a strategic destination for the development of their operations. This reinvestment is a demonstration of the success they have achieved – largely thanks to the excellent and abundant workforce offered by the province, a key factor in the region’s productive ecosystem.
Fernando Carazo, General Manager of Zona Franca La Lima
Carazo acknowledged Heraeus’s significant contribution to the medical device industry and its positive impact on the Zona Franca La Lima. The new phase reinforces Cartago’s position as a center for innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Currently, Heraeus Medevio Costa Rica employs 650 people in engineering, administration, production, and technical roles. The Phase III expansion projects an additional 500 job openings in R&D, electrophysiology engineering, and manufacturing. Interested candidates can find open positions on LinkedIn, the Heraeus Medevio website, or by emailing their resumes to [email protected].
The Phase III facility includes two clean rooms: an ISO 7 on the lower level and an ISO 8 on the upper level. It also features employee-focused amenities such as corporate offices, a cafeteria, and meeting rooms. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its installation of 1,309 solar panels in 2024, resulting in an estimated 87-ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the first year. The new building has earned the Ecological Blue Flag award for sustainable construction and holds ISO 13485, ISO 50001, FDA, and MDSAP certifications.
For further information, visit heraeus.com
About Heraeus Medevio:
Heraeus Medevio is a global partner for medical device OEMs, specializing in design, development, and contract manufacturing. They are committed to driving innovation in the medical device sector and improving patient lives. The company’s expansion in Costa Rica reinforces their commitment to growth and meeting the evolving needs of their clients.
For further information, visit zflalima.com
About Zona Franca La Lima:
Zona Franca La Lima is a free trade zone in Cartago, Costa Rica, providing a strategic location for companies in various industries, including medical device manufacturing. They offer a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth for their partner companies. Heraeus Medevio’s expansion within the zone highlights its attractiveness for international investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is intertwined with a deep-seated commitment to integrity and social responsibility. The firm’s distinguished history of serving diverse clients is a testament to its innovative approach to legal practice, constantly seeking new avenues for progress within the field. Beyond providing exceptional legal counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica actively empowers Costa Rican society by promoting widespread access to legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
