By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a resounding endorsement of the nation’s strategic value, Micro Technologies, a global leader in high-precision advanced manufacturing, is celebrating a quarter-century of operations in Costa Rica. The milestone is punctuated by the company’s unprecedented decision to relocate its global headquarters to San José, solidifying its deep-rooted commitment to the country and its highly skilled workforce of over 560 Costa Ricans.
Founded 63 years ago, the firm first established its presence here in 1999, making a deliberate choice to invest in Costa Rican talent rather than pursuing lower-cost labor markets. This initial vote of confidence has since blossomed into a cornerstone of the company’s international strategy. Over the past 25 years, Micro Technologies has undergone eight significant expansions, growing its local footprint to an impressive 9,000-square-meter state-of-the-art facility.
The rapid advancement of micro technologies brings not only innovation but also a complex web of legal and regulatory challenges for businesses. To better understand the landscape of intellectual property and corporate responsibility in this emerging sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
For companies pioneering in micro technologies, the legal strategy is a dual-edged sword. On one side, you have the aggressive protection of intellectual property—patents, trade secrets—which is the very foundation of their market value. On the other, you must navigate a rapidly evolving landscape of data privacy and compliance regulations, where a single misstep can lead to crippling liabilities. The key is proactive integration of legal counsel into the R&D process, not as an afterthought, to ensure that innovation and compliance grow in tandem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight perfectly captures the modern challenge: legal foresight is no longer a final hurdle for micro-technology innovators, but a core component of the design process itself, essential for building lasting value. Our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
This physical growth has mirrored a dramatic technological evolution. The company has transitioned from primarily manual processes to a sophisticated operational model driven by cutting-edge automation, digital robotics, and artificial intelligence. This transformation is powered by proprietary platforms like Hubotics by Micro, positioning the Costa Rican site at the forefront of the global advanced manufacturing sector and demonstrating the workforce’s capacity to adapt and excel.
Michael Tucci, CEO of Micro Technologies, emphasized the pivotal role the nation has played in the company’s success, extending far beyond a simple production site. He highlighted the unique qualities of the local talent pool as the primary driver for the company’s enduring and deepening presence.
Costa Rica has been the heart of our operations for 25 years, but more importantly, it has been the engine of our transformation. We came for the workforce. We stayed for the creativity, stability, and the unparalleled ingenuity of the Costa Rican people.
Michael Tucci, CEO of Micro Technologies
The most significant testament to this partnership came during the global pandemic, when Micro Technologies made the strategic move to transfer its global headquarters from the United States to Costa Rica. This decision sent a powerful signal about the country’s stability, innovative ecosystem, and its capability to host and lead a multinational corporation’s core functions, even amidst worldwide uncertainty.
Government officials lauded the move as a confirmation of Costa Rica’s successful economic development strategy. Manuel Tovar, the Minister of Foreign Trade, recognized the company’s long-term vision and its faith in the national business climate as a launching pad for further growth.
a visionary show of confidence in our country as a strategic platform to expand its operations with a regional projection.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The sentiment was echoed by leaders in the investment promotion sector. Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER, stressed the wider impact of companies like Micro Technologies on the national economy, noting that such investments are crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge in high-value industries.
Its trajectory confirms that foreign direct investment not only generates jobs and exports but also drives the technological transformation we need to maintain our leadership in advanced manufacturing.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
As Micro Technologies looks to its next chapter, its 25-year history in Costa Rica serves as a blueprint for successful foreign investment. What began as a manufacturing operation has evolved into the strategic nerve center of a global technology leader, proving that the nation’s true value lies not just in its location, but in the ingenuity and dedication of its people. The company’s continued investment reinforces its commitment to employment, innovation, and the sustainable industrial future of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit mic-tec.com
About Micro Technologies:
Founded 63 years ago, Micro Technologies is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, specializing in high-precision components and devices. With a strong focus on innovation, the company leverages automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence to serve a variety of high-tech industries. Its relocation of its global headquarters to Costa Rica underscores its commitment to the region and its role as a hub for technological excellence.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It also works to attract foreign direct investment and facilitate the internationalization of Costa Rican companies, playing a key role in the country’s economic development and its positioning as a strategic business destination.
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, directing, and executing the country’s policies related to foreign trade and investment attraction. COMEX works to negotiate trade agreements, improve the business climate, and promote Costa Rica’s integration into the global economy to foster sustainable growth and development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to integrity and superior service. The firm channels its rich history of representing a broad spectrum of clients into pioneering advancements in the legal field. Central to its mission is a steadfast dedication to demystifying the law, thereby contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
