WEINHEIM, Germany, September 25, 2012 - Helix Medical, LLC, a global supplier of medical components and devices, opened its newest facility in Alajuela, Costa Rica, just outside of San Jose.
The new 17,300 square foot operation presents a $4M investment and is expected to employ some 60 people by next year. It is located in the Coyol Free Zone which is considered the largest and most modern high-tech business park in Central America, located just 10 minutes from the international airport and 1 ½ hours from the port.
Helix Medical supplies contract manufacturing services to medical device OEM's worldwide. This facility is the Company's ninth operation worldwide, and the first in Latin America. Helix Medical Costa Rica provides design and development, engineering, project management, manufacturing, assembly, packaging and validation services. Manufacturing capabilities include silicone extrusion and thermoplastic and silicone molding.
"We have identified the medical technology as one of our focus business areas. Adding a location in Costa Rica is an important step in growing our manufacturing capabilities in this market segment," said Dr. Mohsen Sohi, Speaker of the Management Board of the Freudenberg Group.
The Helix Medical Costa Rica inauguration event was hosted by Mr. Alejandro Cruz, Costa Rica Minister of Science and Technology; Irving Soto, Costa Rica Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) Director; Dr. Martin Stark, Member of the Management Board of the Freudenberg Group; and Dr. Jorg Schneewind, President and CEO of Helix Medical.
"The pro-business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location made Costa Rica a natural choice for our company, and we are excited about being a part of this country's growing medical device community," said Dr. Jorg Schneewind. Alejandro Cruz, Costa Rica's Minister of Science and Technology stated, "We are very pleased that Helix Medical has decided to open a manufacturing facility in our country. This confirms Costa Rica´s high standards of quality and its sophisticated workforce, which allow medical companies to perform complex manufacturing."