Alajuela, Costa Rica. April 06th 2021. – SMC Ltd., a global contract manufacturer for the medical, diagnostics and pharmaceutical markets with locations in California, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Ohio, United Kingdom, India, and Costa Rica, announced the expansion of its facility in Costa Rica.
With continued growth, SMC’s Costa Rica newest expansion allows for additional clean room molding and contract manufacturing capacity. The expansion will double its current facility bringing it to 120,000 square feet in the Coyol Free Zone Park in Alajuela, Costa Rica. With the additional space, SMC Costa Rica will provide increased contract manufacturing solutions including: assembly, injection molding and secondary operations, giving our global customers and MedTech companies in Costa Rica more options for SMC to become their strategic partner.
Foreign Trade Minister Andrés Valenciano noted, “By the end of 2020, the more than 300 multinational firms with operations in this country had created an accumulated total of 134,026 jobs. In life sciences alone - currently one of the country’s most dynamic economic sectors - an accumulated total of 38,248 jobs were created. SMC continues to contribute to our economic development and wellbeing through knowledge spillovers and job opportunities for the Costa Rican population. The government is aware of the challenges posed by the environment and we are determined to work hand in hand in partnership with companies such as SMC on continuing to drive the country’s growth within the framework of sustainability, inclusion, and resilience.”
In 2010, SMC was one of the first suppliers to set-up operations in the Coyol Free Zone Park at a multi-tenant building. Four years later, in 2014, SMC relocated to a larger facility doubling its square footage. This year, SMC is again doubling its manufacturing area bringing it to 120,000 sq. ft. to support the significant growth we are experiencing, SMC will be hiring additional team members to fulfill our contract manufacturing and engineering needs. SMC currently employs over 200 people in Costa Rica and we expect to double that, generating quality jobs and contributing to the local economy.
“SMC has seen tremendous growth in Costa Rica, both in technological capabilities and our people development”, said Bob Stoesser, SMC Vice President. “This is our third expansion in 10 years and shows our commitment to Costa Rica, its people, and community. Our growth and success are directly attributable to our SMC team members, as well as the loyalty and confidence our customers have placed on us. We are well positioned to continue our growth path in Costa Rica and our technical manufacturing capabilities. This development and growth is a very big benefit for our Costa Rica community as well as our local and export customer base.”
“With the expansion of the SMC’s Costa Rica facility, we strengthen our commitment to the country, our people and our customers. Costa Rica has proved to be a great place for our company to operate and to grow and two of the important drivers have been the talent that we have found through the years, and the country´s strong support to the med device cluster”, said Francisco Sancho, GM Costa Rica.
CINDE’s Managing Director, Jorge Sequeira, commented, “At the 2020 close, exports of medical devices totaled US $3,941 million, accounting for 8% of growth compared to 2019. This shows that life sciences has remained dynamic during the pandemic and that, despite the impacts on international markets, the companies have had confidence in this country for continuing to produce and adapting their manufacturing to the new global needs. We are clearly a resilient country, with sustainable technological convergence, so companies such as SMC are keeping Costa Rica in their long-term growth formula. We also thank them for this vote of confidence in our local human talent.”
About SMC Ltd.
SMC Ltd. is a global contract manufacturer offering complete design, molding services, and finished devices for the medical, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical industries. With locations in Wisconsin, Ohio, Massachusetts, California, Costa Rica, India and United Kingdom, SMC’s facilities provide high and low volume medical contract manufacturing. The Company’s medical operations offer ISO 13485 quality systems, white room, class 7 and 8 clean rooms with services including; design, engineering, project management, and validation. Integrated capabilities include: thermoplastic molding (including 2-shot), LIM (liquid injection molding), secondary operations, micro molding, assembly, and kitting and packaging of finished devices.