Question

Contrast use of these technologies applied to a manufacturing process management environment such as the production of medical devices in Costa Rica.

COSTA RICA MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING MAKES ITS WAY INTO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS6 February 2019

The medical device industry developing in Costa Rica continues to take firm steps in international markets. In 2018, this sector was positioned as the main exporter of goods in the country with a 29% share and sales of $3,247 million, 19% more than in 2017.

Costa Rica is the headquarters of 92 manufacturing companies of various medical devices and part of the success of this consolidated business park is the offer of quality and talented suppliers available. With a view to continuing to improve and innovate in their products, as well as finding new businesses, these suppliers visit theMedical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Westfair, from February 5 to 7, in Anaheim, California, United States.

Thanks tothe Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)and the support of theCosta Rican Coalition of Development Initiatives (CINDE),the delegation of companies in the sector established in the country is participating in MD&M West.

The Costa Rican offer that is promoted at the world's largest fair for the manufacture of medical devices consists of: machined parts, injected plastic, adhesive labels, calibration, automation, assembly and packaging. These products and services are showcased by Okay Industries, Etipres, Itek, Micro Technologies and Precision Concepts, which make up theCR Med Supplyconsortium. Many of these companies were attracted to the country by CINDE as part of its FDI management.

Novelteak Infogram

"Costa Rica has a consolidated medical device manufacturing industry, and a consortium from the same sector that seeks international expansion. For the sector it is strategic to participate in showcases such as MD&M West, because it allows us to show the world and the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) that we have suppliers that offer traceability, validations, process stability, just-in-time deliveries, logistics efficiency, cost reduction programs, rapid response and a culture of quality and innovation", said the General Manager of PROCOMER, Pedro Beirute Prada.

For his part, Jorge Sequeira, General Director of CINDE, commented "the life sciences sector is one of the most dynamic strategic sectors in the country, whose companies attracted by CINDE have made medical devices the main export product of Costa Rica. In 2018 alone, companies in the sector generated more than 4,000 quality jobs for Costa Ricans and we want more opportunities of this type to continue to be generated from these and other companies."

MD&M West is the trade show where professionals converge who find technologies, education and connections to stay ahead of the curve in the global medical manufacturing community. More than 1,900 cutting-edge suppliers showcase the latest solutions in contract manufacturing, manufacturing equipment, automation, R&D, medical device components, materials, plastics, among others.