Published on Monday, November 10, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

German pharmaceutical giant Bayer has inaugurated a $200 million plant in the Coyol Free Zone in Alajuela Province, expanding its global manufacturing network in Costa Rica.

The facility produces long-acting reversible contraceptives, including hormonal implants and intrauterine systems, in coordination with Bayer’s global manufacturing network.

“Our knowledge, scientific research and new developments in producing long-lasting contraceptives are crucial to achieving our commitment to sustainability,” said Christian Meyer, president of Bayer Central America. “Due to increasing unmet needs for family planning, our current manufacturing network requires an increase in capacity.”

Meyer said Costa Rica was chosen because of the country’s strong business climate, strategic location and skilled workforce. He also cited the nation’s sustainability policies and efforts to attract private investment.

“We want to demonstrate, once again, the commitment we have in this country, so important to our region,” Meyer said. “We have grown thanks to Costa Ricans and our more than 40 years of working together in the country.”

 

Bayer already operates a medical device plant in Heredia Province, a shared services center serving the Americas (except Brazil), and two agricultural research and development facilities.

The new Alajuela plant covers about 28,000 square feet and includes six production lines. The company currently employs about 300 people and is actively hiring. Those interested in applying can visit Bayer’s careers site.

Products from the Costa Rican facility will supply international programs such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Both organizations recently added Bayer’s hormonal intrauterine system (IUS) to their catalogs and will oversee distribution to countries according to program needs.

Bayer is among several global companies expanding operations in Costa Rica. Recently, Freudenberg Medical, another German firm and a global contract design and manufacturing partner for the medical device and biopharma industries, inaugurated its second production facility in Alajuela Province.

Despite continued foreign investment, employment challenges remain. According to the National Employment Survey (INEC), the unemployment rate reached 6% between July and September 2025, leaving more than 134,000 people jobless. Men accounted for about 53% of the total, or roughly 72,000 individuals.

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