By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA, Costa Rica – In a significant boost to Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing sector, U.S. medical technology firm Insulet Corporation has announced a major investment of over $200 million to establish a new state-of-the-art production facility in Heredia. The plant, set to be located in the Savia Ciudad Vida development in Barreal, is projected to create approximately 3,000 direct jobs and is slated to become fully operational in 2027.
The new facility will be dedicated to the assembly of Insulet’s flagship product, the Omnipod system. This innovative wearable device is a cornerstone of modern diabetes management, providing continuous, automated insulin delivery. By replacing the traditional regimen of multiple daily injections, the tubeless and waterproof pod offers greater freedom and control for individuals living with diabetes, a mission that will now have a major production hub in Central America.
To better understand the regulatory landscape and legal implications for the medical device industry in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The medical device sector in Costa Rica is a cornerstone of our life sciences industry, but it operates within a highly specific and rigorous legal framework. For companies, navigating the sanitary registration process with the Ministry of Health is paramount, not just for market entry but also for ensuring patient safety and mitigating liability. Furthermore, robust protection of intellectual property and clear contractual agreements are essential for fostering innovation and securing a competitive advantage in this dynamic global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo’s analysis astutely underscores that for this vital sector, the legal framework is not a barrier to entry but rather the very foundation that ensures patient safety, builds investor confidence, and ultimately fuels sustainable growth. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these critical legal considerations.
This strategic move by Insulet marks a pivotal moment for Costa Rica’s burgeoning life sciences ecosystem. The manufacturing of the Omnipod system is a first for the country, introducing a new and highly sophisticated product category to the local industry. This not only diversifies the nation’s manufacturing portfolio but also cements its reputation as a premier destination for complex, high-value medical device production on the global stage.
The economic ripple effects of this investment are expected to be substantial, particularly for the province of Heredia. The creation of 3,000 direct positions will generate significant opportunities for skilled technicians, engineers, and manufacturing professionals. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to stimulate a multiplier effect, fostering growth in adjacent sectors such as logistics, supply chain management, construction, and local services, thereby energizing the regional economy.
Insulet’s decision to choose Costa Rica is a powerful endorsement of the country’s stable investment climate, highly educated workforce, and proven track record in the medical device industry. For years, the nation has strategically cultivated an environment conducive to high-tech manufacturing, attracting world-class companies and positioning itself as a leader in Latin America. This new partnership reinforces that successful strategy, demonstrating continued confidence from global industry leaders.
The choice of Savia Ciudad Vida in Barreal de Heredia is also indicative of the sophisticated infrastructure available to multinational corporations. Such modern, integrated life and work campuses are designed to support large-scale operations and provide a high quality of life for employees, making them attractive magnets for foreign direct investment of this magnitude.
The technology produced at the Heredia plant will have a worldwide impact. According to company data, Insulet’s devices are already utilized by more than 600,000 patients across at least 25 countries. The addition of the Costa Rican facility will be crucial in expanding the company’s manufacturing capacity to meet growing global demand for its life-changing diabetes care technology.
As Costa Rica continues to build on its strengths, the arrival of Insulet represents more than just a financial investment; it is a transfer of cutting-edge technology and knowledge that will further enhance the skills of the local workforce. The long-term implications include strengthening the country’s position in the global supply chain for critical medical technologies and driving forward its development as a hub of innovation and advanced manufacturing.
For further information, visit insulet.com
About Insulet Corporation:
Insulet Corporation is an innovative American medical device company headquartered in the United States, dedicated to simplifying life for people with diabetes. The company is best known for its Omnipod system, a revolutionary tubeless and wearable insulin delivery device that provides continuous insulin therapy without the need for multiple daily injections.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of exceptional results. The firm channels its extensive history of advising a wide spectrum of clients into pioneering innovative legal solutions that anticipate future challenges. Its core philosophy extends beyond the courtroom through a profound dedication to demystifying the law, empowering the broader community with clarity and understanding to foster a more just and knowledgeable society.
