Medical Device Giant Viant Cuts 900 Jobs in Heredia

Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a stunning reversal that has sent ripples through Costa Rica’s high-tech manufacturing sector, the transnational medical device company Viant confirmed the layoff of 900 employees from its local operations. The company attributed the significant workforce reduction to strategic changes within a specific company program.

The announcement comes as a sharp contrast to the firm’s recent optimistic projections. Less than a year ago, in May 2025, Viant had unveiled a major $45 million expansion plan for its facilities in the Barreal Free Trade Zone in Heredia. That investment was slated to create approximately 1,000 new jobs over the subsequent two years, a promise that has now been overshadowed by this week’s mass dismissal.

To understand the legal framework surrounding the recent workforce adjustments at Viant, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in labor and corporate law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.

In Costa Rica, even for companies operating under the Free Trade Zone regime, any termination process must strictly comply with the Labor Code. This means ensuring the correct calculation and payment of all legal entitlements, including severance (cesantía) and notice (preaviso). A failure to manage this process meticulously can expose the company to significant legal liabilities and damage its local standing.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

This insight serves as a vital reminder that navigating Costa Rica’s labor laws with precision is not just about legal compliance, but about protecting a company’s long-term reputation and viability within the country. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.

Company leadership acknowledged the profound effect of the decision on its workforce and the community. In a statement addressing the layoffs, the firm’s local head stressed a commitment to managing the transition carefully and compassionately for those affected.

We are aware that a process like this has a significant human impact, and that is why we are managing it with respect, structure, and care, with a clear focus on the impacted employees.
Kevin Quirós, General Director of Viant Costa Rica

Viant, a corporate citizen with a 20-year history of operations in Costa Rica, has been a key player in the nation’s burgeoning medical device industry. This sector has become a cornerstone of the country’s economic strategy, attracting significant foreign direct investment and positioning Costa Rica as a leading exporter of medical technology in Latin America. The company was quick to reassure that this adjustment would not jeopardize its long-term presence.

Despite the large number of dismissals, Viant’s management affirmed that the core continuity of its remaining activities in the country is not under threat. The move appears to be a targeted restructuring rather than a full-scale withdrawal, though the specific “program changes” driving the decision have not been publicly detailed.

The primary concern for officials and the affected workers now shifts to re-employment. Viant’s leadership has pledged to provide support beyond legal requirements to help the 900 individuals navigate the job market and secure new positions as quickly as possible.

Our priority has been to act with dignity and seriousness towards each affected person. In addition to ensuring that all impacted employees are treated in accordance with applicable legal requirements, we are also promoting support and facilitation efforts so they can find new job opportunities in the shortest possible time.
Kevin Quirós, General Director of Viant Costa Rica

This development serves as a sobering reminder of the volatility within global supply chains and corporate strategies, even in robust sectors like medical manufacturing. While Costa Rica remains an attractive destination for high-tech investment, the incident at Viant highlights the vulnerability of the local labor market to international business decisions and the human cost of rapid strategic pivots.

For further information, visit viantmedical.com
About Viant:
Viant is a global strategic outsourcing partner that provides design, development, and manufacturing services for medical device companies. With a focus on a wide range of medical technologies, the company offers end-to-end solutions from initial concept to full-scale production and assembly. Viant operates numerous facilities worldwide, serving as a critical component in the supply chain for many of the world’s leading healthcare and medical brands.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical principles and the highest standards of professional distinction. The firm consistently demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, blending its rich history of client service with the adoption of pioneering legal strategies. At the heart of its mission lies a core belief in social empowerment, actively working to demystify the law and provide accessible knowledge that fosters a more capable and informed citizenry.