Alajuela, April 19, 2024. Nine Costa Rican suppliers that are part of the value chain of the 33 companies located in the Coyol Free Zone were awarded for contributing with their services, inputs or components to the improvement of the manufacturing processes of these companies.

The awards are given as part of the Second Edition of Coyol Impulsa, a pioneer program of this business park, leader in the export of medical devices. The purpose is to promote and improve the competitive performance of local suppliers and to recognize the cases that have been successfully linked to such an important industry.

The companies based in Coyol Free Zone nominate their best Costa Rican suppliers on a digital platform designed specifically for this program (https://gentecoyol.com/premioimpulsa/), which are then assessed through an evaluation process. On this occasion, 11 companies operating in the Coyol Free Zone proposed 16 local suppliers, and 23 other suppliers applied directly.

Three variables were evaluated on this occasion: quality, sustainability and complementary services.

The following is a detail of the companies that were awarded in each category:

Winners of the Second Edition of Coyol Impulsa 2024:

• Large Company
–CAPRIS: Focused on digital innovation, internal process optimization, and cost reduction, through automation and system integration. https://www.capris.cr/cr/

• Small Company
–FORTECH: For over 27 years it has been committed to innovation and environmental sustainability by promoting the reuse of valuable materials. https://fortech.cr/

• Specialized Manufacture
–ATEMISA PRECISION: Engaged in the manufacture of precision components and high-quality machining for the aerospace, medical, automotive and semiconductor technology industries. https://www.atemisaprecision.com/

• Special Processes
SEGEX: Operating under the SEL license, its added value is to offer Life Sciences companies solutions that go beyond logistics. https://cr.linkedin.com/company/segex-costa-rica

• Packaging
–ETIPRÉS: Focused on the design and manufacture of labels, it is certified under the INTE G35 standard for Social Responsibility Management Systems and is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. https://www.etipres.com/

• Non-Costa Rican supplier located in the Coyol Free Zone
–SMC Ltd.: Global contract manufacturing company offering complete design, molding services, and finished devices for the medical, diagnostic and pharmaceutical industries. It employs more than 285 people at Coyol Free Zone. https://www.smcltd.com/

In addition, honorable mentions were given to Grupo Vargas, for its commitment to the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of quality, environmental and occupational safety management systems; to Poliart, for being a revelation supplier; and to Steris for promoting, since its arrival in Costa Rica, excellence in the sterilization of medical devices and impacting the Life Sciences industry with its leadership.

“These awards represent one more incentive for local suppliers to continue being part of the value chain in the case of companies located in Coyol Free Zone, thus continue creating development, employment and added value to the country,” said Carlos Wong, Managing Director of Coyol Free Zone.

“We feel very honored with this award. It is a source of great pride for the entire FORTECH team, and undoubtedly encourages us to continue improving and innovating our processes,” said María Fernanda Camacho, Commercial Manager of FORTECH, a company that provides 42 jobs, 30% of which are held by women in both operational and administrative positions.

Process of Selection

For the selection of the companies, a Technical Secretariat was created, made up of representatives of the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) and two companies from the Coyol Free Zone: Bayer and Cardinal Health, with special expertise in Supply Chain. These companies provided support, advice, criteria and technical analysis for the selection of the winners.

Thirty-nine companies applied for this second edition, of which 15 were finalists.

The next edition of Coyol Impulsa will be held in 2026 to allow local companies to develop their innovation processes and join the success stories that already provide their services to the Life Sciences industry.