U.S.-based medical device company reinforces Costa Rica’s position as a global hub for advanced medical manufacturing.
Switchback Medical, a U.S. company specializing in the design and contract manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices, has officially announced its expansion to Costa Rica. The company will establish a high-volume manufacturing facility in the Evolution Free Zone, becoming the seventh global enterprise to join this innovation-driven business park.
With headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Switchback Medical brings a vertically integrated approach to the development of medical technologies, managing every stage from product design to final assembly. Its CDMO model (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) offers agility and close collaboration with partners to accelerate innovation in the healthcare sector.
A Strategic Move to Boost Global Competitiveness
The new Costa Rican plant will focus on scalable, high-volume production of complete medical devices, strengthening the company’s global delivery capabilities.
“This expansion represents a more cost-effective solution for our customers. The Costa Rica facility will serve as a high-volume manufacturing center, enabling scalable production”.
Jesse Jensen, Vice President of Operations at Switchback Medical
The company also highlighted the strategic value of Costa Rica’s thriving Life Sciences cluster, which has become a preferred destination for global MedTech firms.
“Switchback Medical’s investment will contribute significantly to the local ecosystem with full device assemblies and will add to Costa Rica’s growing network of sophisticated medical technology companies,” added Jensen.
Government and Sector Leaders Welcome the Investment
The expansion was welcomed by Manuel Tovar, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, who recognized the country’s increasing relevance in the global manufacturing value chain:
“Costa Rica has become a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing. Our robust ecosystem continues to attract companies like Switchback Medical, and we are committed to providing the right conditions for their long-term success.”
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER, emphasized that medical devices are now the country’s top export sector, with a 29% year-over-year growth in early 2025:
“Switchback Medical brings valuable technical expertise in complex, high-precision devices. Its end-to-end development model strengthens our national capabilities and adds sophistication to our industrial offering.”
Laura López, Gerente General de PROCOMER
Evolution Free Zone: A Magnet for Innovation-Driven Investment
Carlos Wong, Managing Director of CODE Development Group, developer of Evolution Free Zone, celebrated the company’s arrival:
“We are proud that Switchback Medical chose Evolution Free Zone as its base in Costa Rica. Our world-class infrastructure, highly skilled talent, and collaborative ecosystem make this park a prime destination for global companies.”
Carlos Wong, Director General de CODE Development Group
With this move, Switchback Medical enhances its global footprint, while also contributing to quality employment creation, technology transfer, and the ongoing growth of Costa Rica as a key player in the life sciences and medical device manufacturing sectors.
