Intel transforms its operations in Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA: After holding meetings with the Government of Costa Rica and the Investment Promotion Agency -CINDE-, Intel confirmed that it will transform its operations in Costa Rica.

As part of its global strategy, the company will relocate its assembly and test operation to Asia, where these activities will be concentrated. Intel's Global Services Center, as well as the company's Engineering and Design Center will remain in their current location in Belen, Heredia. These operations will gain relevance in research and development related activities.

These changes in Intel's operation in Costa Rica gross up to other changes recently made by the company in Barcelona, Spain (March, 2014); Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, and Massachusetts, United States (March and January, 2014 and November, 2013 respectively); and Penang & Kulim, Malaysia (November 2013). All of them respond directly to the global strategy announced and more strongly implemented by the company during the last year.

Intel's restructuring process has been showing gradual impact in all global operations of the company. Intel is seeking to optimize its efficiency and adapt to new market conditions and the competition of rivals in the technology sector. Certain elements of the operation, such as geographic closeness between plants and main markets, are an integral part of the strategy.

For Anabel Gonzalez, Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, Intel's decision to transfer its assembly and test operations to a region closer to its main geographical markets is unfortunate. "Intel helped Costa Rica position its name in the world of foreign direct investment and high technology. Today, more than 15 years later, Costa Rica is a leader in different industries, and has become a highly competitive location for high-tech manufacturing, services and, more recently, research and development activities."

Intel's Engineering and Design Center as well as the Global Services Center will maintain their operations in the current location in Belen. Headcount for these operations totals 1,200 people and new positions have recently been announced.