Costa Rica launches new aerospace ‘cluster’

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—A group of 25 companies operating in sectors such as electronics, metalworking and specialized services have come together to create the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster (CRAC) in an attempt to position the country as a player in the international aerospace supply industry.

While the consortium was officially launched this week, work on the cluster began last year, after Costa Rica’s export agency PROCOMER identified the opportunity if the companies to work together.

The Minister of Foreign Trade and Chairman of the Board of Directors of PROCOMER, Alexander Mora, said the aerospace industry is a very important part of the country’s development and the Solis Rivera administration has a serious and ambitious commitments to this sector.

“We are working to expand opportunities and management and promotion tools that will allow the sector to access new markets with high value added,” said Mora. “Costa Rica will have the opportunity to build new productive ecosystems, bringing the most out of human capital, the academic and scientific platform, and the emphasis on young talent to attract investment and specialized companies.”

The cluster shows an evolution of local companies in terms of sophistication of processes, productive linkages and quality managements, according to Marko Mileta, president of the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster.

“The aerospace industry is one of the most emphasized on value added, which means that customers are willing to pay more for products whose processes are controlled and certified,” said Mileta. “Cluster companies are focused on developing skills that differentiate us and thus attract international customers in the aerospace industry. Due to these products requiring high value-added productive linkages, we can involve many SMEs in the supply chain, achieving technology transfer and long-term strategies.”

According to data from PROCOMER, in 2015 the sectors associated with the aerospace industry exported US$1.557 million. The electrical and electronics sector exported $790.9 million, plastic $366.4 million, metal $334.8 million, and transport equipment exported $65 million.

Companies and agencies participating in the the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster include:

• AD Astra Rocket
• Atemisa Precision
• Avionyx, Camerica
• Camtronics
• Central America Silicone Supplier
• COOPESA
• Ten Orlich Precision
• DIFACOM carbon fiber
• Irazu Electronics
• L-3 Communications
• Microfinish
• Oberg Costa Rica
• Okay Industries Costa Rica
• Olympic Precision Machining
• Optyma
• Preinsa
• Sensors Group Costa Rica
• SERPIMETAL
• Sertex Technical Services
• Specialty Coating Systems Costa Rica
• Techshop International
• TAGOSA
• TICO ELECTRONICS
• Utitec Medica