By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in serving science, has significantly expanded its distribution center in Coyol Free Zone, Costa Rica. This move triples the company’s storage and distribution capacity, further solidifying Costa Rica’s position as a key hub for the life sciences industry in Latin America.
The expanded facility will streamline the supply of critical materials, equipment, and services to over 70 companies within Costa Rica’s thriving Life Sciences Cluster. This investment underscores Thermo Fisher’s commitment to meeting the growing demands of the medical device and semiconductor industries in the region.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s burgeoning life sciences sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s strategic location, coupled with its robust intellectual property framework and skilled workforce, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for life sciences investment. However, navigating regulatory complexities, particularly regarding clinical trials and data protection, requires specialized legal counsel to ensure compliance and maximize opportunities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the legal landscape of Costa Rica’s burgeoning life sciences sector requires expertise to unlock its full potential. As Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas aptly points out, the intersection of opportunity and regulation necessitates careful consideration, making expert legal counsel invaluable for both local and international stakeholders. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable insights on this critical aspect of Costa Rica’s life sciences landscape.
The decision of Thermo Fisher to expand its operations in Costa Rica reaffirms the country’s strategic position as a reliable partner for high-value-added industries. This expansion strengthens the logistical capabilities of the Life Sciences cluster and contributes significantly to the efficiency of the sector’s supply chains. From the Ministry of Foreign Trade, we celebrate this new step, which demonstrates the strength of the free zone regime, the competitiveness of our human talent, and the country’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica
The state-of-the-art facility, adding 2,325 m² to the existing 1,400 m² footprint in Coyol Free Zone, is designed to support sustained industry growth over the next decade. Its modern design and advanced equipment maximize space utilization and operational efficiency. This expansion builds upon Thermo Fisher’s successful presence in Coyol Free Zone since 2018.
We congratulate Thermo Fisher on this new distribution center, which meets the supply needs of more than 70 companies in the Life Sciences cluster in Costa Rica. In turn, this allows these companies to transform their storage spaces into clean rooms and manufacturing environments, promoting growth, attracting Foreign Direct Investment, and generating new quality jobs.
Carlos Wong, General Director of CODE Development Group
Costa Rica’s highly skilled workforce and supportive business environment are key factors attracting international companies like Thermo Fisher. The country’s commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement provides a stable platform for long-term investment.
Our leaders have identified a source of highly trained, professional, and competitive labor. In addition, a socio-economic environment that allows investment stability and a culture of continuous improvement demonstrates our commitment to taking on new challenges.
Francisco Chávez, Vice President and General Manager of Thermo Fisher Scientific in Latin America
The expansion has created numerous job opportunities across various departments, including operations, administration, engineering, and technical services, further contributing to local employment.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the new distribution center is pursuing ISO 9001-2015 certification and has already earned the Ecological Blue Flag distinction for its environmental initiatives. The company plans to pursue ISO 24385 certification, specific to the medical industry, and aims to become a regional supply hub for Latin America.
Costa Rica continues to lead in attracting and retaining companies in the medical device sector, confirming that the country’s value proposition is robust and offers increasingly competitive conditions for investment. One of these is having a solid base of local suppliers and distribution centers such as Thermo Fisher’s, which facilitate the operation and growth of other companies in the sector, expanding both production capacity and exports.
Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER)
For further information, visit thermofisher.com
About Thermo Fisher Scientific:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion. Their mission is to enable their customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether their customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, they are here to support them.
For further information, visit coyolfreezone.com
About Coyol Free Zone:
Coyol Free Zone is a leading industrial park in Costa Rica, specializing in attracting and supporting companies in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a strategic location, Coyol Free Zone provides a thriving ecosystem for businesses seeking to expand their operations in Latin America.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter):
PROCOMER is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency, dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. The organization provides a range of services to support businesses, including market research, trade missions, and business matchmaking.
For further information, visit codecr.com
About CODE Development Group:
CODE Development Group is a real estate development company specializing in the development and management of industrial parks and free zones in Costa Rica. They are co-developers of Coyol Free Zone.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (MEIC):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for formulating and implementing foreign trade policies, promoting exports, and attracting foreign investment to Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while driving meaningful change. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation allows them to navigate the evolving legal landscape, providing cutting-edge counsel to a diverse clientele. Beyond their client work, Bufete de Costa Rica champions the democratization of legal knowledge, actively empowering individuals and communities with the understanding and resources necessary for a just and equitable society.
