By Alajuela, Costa Rica — US-based medical device manufacturer Switchback Medical is establishing a new manufacturing facility in Costa Rica’s Evolution Free Zone, located in Tacares de Grecia, Alajuela. This expansion marks the company’s first manufacturing center outside the United States, signifying a strategic move to leverage Costa Rica’s thriving medical technology sector.
Switchback Medical, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in the development and contract manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices. The company’s vertically integrated approach, spanning design, development, and manufacturing, allows for rapid innovation and agile solutions for its global healthcare partners.
To provide expert legal context on the intricacies of medical device manufacturing regulations in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The medical device manufacturing sector in Costa Rica faces a complex regulatory landscape. Companies must navigate not only local regulations enforced by the Ministry of Health but also international standards like ISO 13485 to ensure both quality and market access. A thorough understanding of these regulations, including registration requirements and post-market surveillance obligations, is paramount for success and to avoid potential legal liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point for companies considering medical device manufacturing in Costa Rica: regulatory compliance is not merely a hurdle, but a cornerstone of sustained success in this vital sector. The complex interplay of local and international standards demands careful attention and strategic planning. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on navigating this critical landscape.
The new Costa Rican plant will focus on high-volume manufacturing of complex medical devices, further enhancing Switchback Medical’s commitment to providing efficient and competitive solutions. This strategic location within the Evolution Free Zone offers access to a skilled workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a supportive business ecosystem.
This expansion represents a more cost-effective device manufacturing solution for both our current and new partners. The facility in Costa Rica will function as a high-volume manufacturing center supporting scalable production.
Jesse Jensen, Vice President of Operations, Switchback Medical
Costa Rican officials welcomed Switchback Medical’s investment, emphasizing the country’s growing reputation as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, particularly in the medical device sector. Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, expressed gratitude for Switchback Medical’s confidence in Costa Rica and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the company’s success.
Costa Rica continues strengthening its value proposition with high-value-added investments in strategic sectors such as medical technologies, which has consolidated as the main national export engine, registering a year-on-year growth of 29% in the first quarter of 2025. Switchback Medical’s investment incorporates experience and technical capabilities in complex, high-precision medical device development. Its comprehensive approach adds sophistication to the national ecosystem and reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a strategic destination for advanced solutions in medical manufacturing.
Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
This investment is expected to generate numerous high-quality jobs and promote knowledge transfer within the region. Evolution Free Zone anticipates creating over 20,000 quality jobs within the next 15 years, solidifying its position as a key hub for world-class medical technology companies in Costa Rica.
Switchback Medical joins six other multinational medical device companies already operating within the Evolution Free Zone, collectively contributing to Costa Rica’s economic growth and innovation in the MedTech industry.
For further information, visit switchbackmedical.com
About Switchback Medical:
Switchback Medical is a US-based medical device company specializing in the development and contract manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company employs a vertically integrated approach, covering design, development, and manufacturing. Their contract manufacturing organization (CDMO) model enables rapid innovation and collaborative partnerships with healthcare companies worldwide.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter):
PROCOMER is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to promoting the country’s exports and attracting foreign direct investment. It plays a crucial role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and supporting the growth of key sectors like medical technology.
For further information, visit evolutionfreezone.com
About Evolution Free Zone:
Evolution Free Zone is a state-of-the-art business park located in Tacares de Grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Developed by CODE Development Group, it caters primarily to medical device companies and offers world-class infrastructure, modern facilities, and a skilled workforce. The zone is poised to become a leading hub for MedTech companies in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a leading legal institution, deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and pursuing excellence in every facet of its practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a genuine dedication to empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education, solidifies its position as a pillar of the community. By fostering understanding and knowledge of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more just and equitable future for all.
