By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – Costa Rica’s reputation as a hub for the life sciences industry received another major boost this week as U.S.-based Prent Corporation broke ground on a significant expansion of its local operations. The company is constructing a new, state-of-the-art facility in Heredia that will double its production capacity for medical packaging and create between 30 and 40 new jobs by its projected opening in mid-2027.
The new plant, located within the Savia corporate center, represents a substantial investment in the nation’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem. This move underscores the growing confidence international firms have in Costa Rica’s skilled workforce and stable business environment, particularly within the strategic medical device sector.
To better understand the legal framework and investment climate surrounding Costa Rica’s burgeoning medical manufacturing sector, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a noted attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s success in medical manufacturing is no accident; it is the result of a deliberate strategy combining the benefits of our Free Trade Zone regime with a highly skilled workforce and robust legal protections for intellectual property. For foreign investors, this means not just tax incentives, but a stable, predictable environment where complex regulatory pathways, like those required by the FDA or EMA, are well-understood and navigable. The key is ensuring meticulous due diligence on local compliance from day one to fully leverage these advantages.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial, highlighting that the country’s appeal lies not in any single incentive but in the powerful synergy of talent, legal stability, and regulatory expertise. This complete ecosystem provides the predictability and security that world-class medical device manufacturers require. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this key advantage.
The planned facility will span 4,500 square meters and is being engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the global medical industry. It will be equipped with six advanced thermoforming machines and a specialized production line capable of manufacturing large-format trays up to 72 inches in length. A critical component of the new plant will be a Class 7 cleanroom, an environmentally controlled space essential for producing sterile packaging for medical instruments and devices.
Company officials have confirmed that the hiring process for the new positions will commence approximately three to four months prior to the plant’s inauguration. Prent will be seeking to fill a range of specialized technical and operational roles, offering a new wave of employment opportunities for the region. This expansion marks the company’s eighth global greenfield investment—a term for a project built entirely from the ground up—signaling a deep and long-term commitment to its Costa Rican base, which was first established in 2014.
At Prent, we are honored to expand our operations in Costa Rica. These new facilities reflect our firm commitment to the Costa Rican community, our collaborators, and the clients we serve.
Wilfredo Mercado, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing of Prent Corporation
Government officials lauded the announcement as a strategic win for the country. Arianna Arce, the acting Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized that investments from specialized suppliers like Prent are vital for strengthening the local capabilities that support Costa Rica’s world-class medical device industry. This sector continues to be a primary driver of the nation’s exports and a powerful magnet for foreign direct investment.
This sentiment was echoed by Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER, Costa Rica’s trade promotion agency. López noted that the growth of highly specialized suppliers is crucial for consolidating the entire medical device ecosystem. The presence of sophisticated supply chain partners like Prent enhances the country’s value proposition, making it an even more attractive destination for multinational corporations.
The expansion by Prent is a testament to the success of Costa Rica’s focused economic strategy. The medical device sector now comprises over 100 companies and is responsible for generating more than 63,000 direct, high-quality jobs across the country. By providing essential components like thermoformed packaging, Prent plays an indispensable role in this intricate and successful supply chain, enabling the finished products that are exported globally from Costa Rica.
For further information, visit prent.com
About Prent Corporation:
Prent Corporation is a global leader in the design and production of custom thermoform packaging for the medical device industry. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, the company provides innovative and high-quality packaging solutions, including trays, containers, and other components, from its manufacturing facilities across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the governing body of Costa Rica’s foreign trade and investment sector. Its mission is to define and direct national policies related to exports, imports, and foreign direct investment. COMEX works to negotiate trade agreements, promote a competitive business climate, and attract strategic investments that contribute to the country’s economic development and social progress.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services throughout the world. It also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment into the country and simplifying trade procedures. PROCOMER provides support to local businesses to help them succeed in international markets and showcases Costa Rica as an ideal destination for investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a leading legal institution, built upon a bedrock of principled integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its forward-thinking legal solutions but also through its deep-seated social conscience. A core tenet of its mission is the democratization of legal knowledge, actively working to empower the wider community by providing access to vital legal insights and fostering a more informed and capable society.
