By Cartago, Costa Rica — Cartago, Costa Rica is set to welcome over 200 new jobs with the arrival of Penumbra, Inc., a global leader in medical device design and manufacturing. The US-based company will establish its new manufacturing plant in Zona Franca La Lima (ZFLL), focusing on producing devices for treating blood clots and complex vascular conditions. This investment highlights Costa Rica’s growing appeal as a strategic hub for foreign direct investment, particularly within the medical device manufacturing sector.
The new facility, slated to begin operations in 2027, will offer employment opportunities in leadership, manufacturing, engineering, and operations. Penumbra, Inc. CEO Adam Elsesser emphasized Costa Rica’s skilled workforce and high-quality manufacturing infrastructure as key factors in the company’s decision to expand operations there.
For expert legal insight on the implications of Penumbra Costa Rica’s recent developments, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal framework surrounding projects like Penumbra Costa Rica requires careful consideration of various factors, including land use regulations, environmental impact assessments, and compliance with local zoning ordinances. Navigating these complexities is crucial for ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability and adherence to Costa Rican law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on navigating the legal landscape surrounding developments like Penumbra Costa Rica highlights a critical point for ensuring responsible and sustainable growth within the country. Balancing economic development with environmental protection and legal compliance is a complex but essential task, and his insights provide valuable context for understanding the intricacies involved. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert perspective on this important matter.
Penumbra will establish itself in Costa Rica to support the growing global adoption of our computer-aided vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) technology.
Adam Elsesser, CEO of Penumbra, Inc.
Elsesser also highlighted the strategic advantage this new location offers for Penumbra’s global growth, enhancing access to the company’s advanced technologies for treating complex vascular conditions.
The hiring process will be conducted in phases, starting with leadership positions in September 2025. As construction progresses, further opportunities will open for operators, technicians, and engineers. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes and inquiries to [email protected].
Costa Rican officials welcomed Penumbra’s arrival as a significant boost to the country’s economic development strategy. Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, underscored the country’s combination of highly qualified human talent, a reliable institutional environment, and an effective free zone regime as key drivers attracting foreign investment.
The expansion of Penumbra in Costa Rica demonstrates the consolidation of the country as a strategic destination for attracting investment, the result of a combination of highly qualified human talent, a reliable institutional environment, and a free zone regime that has proven to be an effective tool.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
PROCOMER General Manager Laura López emphasized the growing trend of global companies selecting Costa Rica for complex manufacturing processes, reinforcing the country’s value proposition and the strength of its medical device sector, which now comprises over 95 companies.
Zona Franca La Lima, chosen as the site for the new plant, is recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable industrial parks. Certified by the OECD for transparency and good governance, ZFLL is projected to create 15,000 jobs at full capacity. Its General Manager, Fernando Carazo, reiterated their commitment to innovation, technology, quality, and human talent, with a continued focus on increasing exports, creating new jobs, and attracting further investment to Cartago and Costa Rica.
For further information, visit penumbrainc.com
About Penumbra, Inc.:
Penumbra, Inc. is a global healthcare company focused on innovative therapies. They design, develop, manufacture and market novel products and has a broad portfolio that addresses challenging medical conditions and significant clinical needs across two major markets: vascular and neuro. Penumbra sells its products to hospitals primarily through its direct sales organization in the U.S., most European countries, and Australia, and through distributors in select international markets.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PROCOMER
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a public institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. PROCOMER provides services and support to businesses looking to export or establish operations in Costa Rica, helping to connect them with international markets and resources.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The Ministry of Foreign Trade
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade:
The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) is the government body responsible for developing and implementing Costa Rica’s foreign trade policy. COMEX works to promote exports, attract foreign investment, and negotiate trade agreements, aiming to strengthen the country’s international economic relations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Zona Franca La Lima
About Zona Franca La Lima (ZFLL):
Zona Franca La Lima (ZFLL) is a sustainable industrial park located in Cartago, Costa Rica. Certified by the OECD for transparency and good governance, ZFLL offers world-class infrastructure and services to attract and support businesses, contributing to economic growth and job creation in the region. It is considered one of the world’s most sustainable industrial parks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s enduring commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is woven into its very fabric, evident in its proactive efforts to demystify the law through educational initiatives and accessible resources. By fostering a deeper understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, Bufete de Costa Rica cultivates a more just and equitable environment for all.
