Evolution Free Zone consolidates its position as a hub for world-class companies

• High-tech business park designed to attract companies from industries that are key to the Costa Rican economy.
• Eight internationally renowned companies have already chosen this Free Trade Zone to establish their operations in the country.

Tacares de Grecia, Alajuela. With an investment in infrastructure of close to US$75 million in its first two phases, Evolution Free Zone is establishing itself as the fastest-growing business ecosystem in Costa Rica.

Just one year after opening, the success of this High-Tech Business Park is due to a combination of world-class infrastructure and buildings, strategic connectivity with the country’s main routes, and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. In addition, its innovative environment and the highly qualified talent offered by the Western Region make it the ideal Park for the sustainable growth of the companies that establish themselves there. This is complemented by a comprehensive set of services and an ecosystem that fosters business development and efficiency.

As a result, it is home to eight market-leading companies, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Inari Medical (now part of Stryker), as well as strategic suppliers: AVNA, Accudyn, Trelleborg Medical Solutions, and Intricon. The arrival of Switchback Medical, a company renowned for its vertically integrated approach, which ranges from design and development to the manufacture of medical devices, was also confirmed for 2025. It will occupy a building with a footprint of 6,000 m². Segex, a leading company in logistics solutions for the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, will also arrive, occupying a building with a footprint of 7,500 m².

These eight companies currently generate 3,000 jobs and will grow to a total of 6,000 direct, high-quality jobs already guaranteed over the next two years, which will undoubtedly have a significant positive and tangible impact on the local and national economy. This growth reflects the effectiveness of this business ecosystem designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and promote specialized job opportunities.

Carlos Wong, Managing Director of CODE Development Group, the developer of Evolution Free Zone, assured that the commitment to develop this Industrial Park outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) represents a key step toward a more balanced growth model. “The Western Region is establishing itself as a new hub for high-value global operations, promoting sustained economic growth, productive linkages with local companies, and improvements in local infrastructure.”

As part of its commitment to the comprehensive development of the region, Evolution Free Zone led and contributed the financial resources for the construction of an overpass that directly connects Route 1 with the Park. This infrastructure project, which will be donated to the Costa Rican government, improves mobility and road efficiency significantly in the area and demonstrates the effectiveness of a public-private partnership model, focused on the well-being of communities in the West.

The project included the construction of 1,561 meters of public infrastructure (1.5 kilometers), consisting of two lanes and a 700-meter retaining wall.

As part of its cutting-edge vision and firm commitment to sustainability, Evolution Free Zone promotes good environmental practices that actively contribute to caring for the planet. To this end, it has incorporated a modern solar farm, designed to supply all of its common areas with clean, renewable energy, including lighting, water pumping systems, the access gate, treatment plants, and other infrastructure inside the Free Zone.

Built Area

In its first year of operations, Evolution Free Zone has 155,952 m² of built area developed under the highest standards of real estate development, strict sustainability criteria, energy efficiency, and occupational health, according to the vision of CODE Development Group, a 100% Costa Rican-owned company with more than 20 years of experience in the development and management of industrial parks.

The works include internal infrastructure such as roads, drinking water supply tanks, treatment plants, and a data center, all designed to meet the highest standards of innovation and quality for the operation of the Park and the companies that operate there. It was recognized by the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction in the “Grandes Obras 2025” (2025 Major Works) edition, reaffirming its position as one of the most innovative and strategic business parks in Costa Rica.

From its inception, this technology Park was designed as a modern, sustainable, and future-oriented business ecosystem. Its proposal combines world-class infrastructure and buildings, technological innovation, standardized operating protocols, and a vision focused on human development. These elements, together with a solid business ecosystem, position it as an ideal destination for high value-added operations and key industries in strategic sectors for the country, such as Life Sciences, Smart Manufacturing, and Semiconductors.

Aware of the importance of human talent in responding to the demands of these industries, Evolution Free Zone established a strategic alliance with the National Learning Institute (INA) to develop a Center of Excellence in Metalworking, as well as a physical training space to offer technical and operational programs in high demand in the labor market, thus becoming the first Business Park in Costa Rica to have an INA Center on site.

This initiative will offer specialized courses in areas such as Precision Mechanics Technician, Precision Mechanics Operator, Quality Technicians and Inspectors, Production Supervisors, Medical Manufacturing Good Practices Operators, English, and Fine Motor Skills for Medical Manufacturing, among other courses aligned with the needs of companies. The aim is to facilitate the direct integration of young people in the region into the labor market, equipping them with skills relevant to the industries of the future, thereby strengthening local employability, boosting regional development, and generating a positive social impact through a virtuous circle of economic growth.

Ready for the future

In terms of technology, Evolution Free Zone is the first business park in Costa Rica to use Building Information Modeling (BIM) from the design phase onwards. This enables intelligent resource management, greater operational efficiency, and sustainability.

In addition, it is prepared for Industry 4.0 and its connectivity, automation, and data management requirements, having launched the first Tier I Data Center for administrative and monitoring offices, with plans to expand to Tier III to offer advanced technological solutions to the companies located there.

In recognition of its operational excellence, commitment to sustainability, and positive social impact, Evolution Free Zone was awarded the license to use the “esencial Costa Rica” country brand in 2024. This seal allows Costa Rica to project itself as a reliable and competitive destination in international markets, improving its attractiveness for new investments and consolidating its reputation as a hub of innovation and sustainability.