Essential News

San José, Costa Rica – 3M, a global science and innovation company, celebrates a decade of operations at its Global Service Center in Costa Rica (3M Global Service Center Costa Rica), now the largest of the company’s three global service centers worldwide, alongside locations in the Philippines and Poland. 

Today, over 1,400 employees in Heredia manage more than 150 specialized processes across areas like finance, human resources, supply chain, procurement, customer operations, and intercompany functions, delivering strategic solutions for the Americas and beyond.

When the hub opened in 2015, it had fewer than 100 employees focused primarily on transactional tasks. A decade later, the operation has evolved into a sophisticated model integrating robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), Lean Value Stream Mapping, and digital learning platforms such as 3MLearn, positioning the center as a global engine of innovation and efficiency.

“Costa Rica offers a unique ecosystem: highly skilled talent, stability, and a business environment that fosters innovation. Our GSC has become a global benchmark by embedding AI and RPA into everyday processes, directly impacting 3M’s global competitiveness. These 10 years reflect a strong partnership with the country and its people,” stated Enrique Aguirre, Director of 3M Global Service Center Costa Rica.

The services sector has been crucial to Costa Rica, generating the most reinvestments last year – 33 projects supported by CINDE and that reinforce the country’s position as a regional and global hub. Over the past three years, 197 reinvestments have been recorded, demonstrating the local ecosystem’s dynamism with regard to high-value operations.

Marinela Urgellés, the Managing Director of CINDE, highlighted: “3M’s experience confirms Costa Rica’s ability to attract and scale operations with artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced digitalization. Reaching 10 years is no easy feat, and achieving this milestone is proof that our talent is the main reason global companies choose our country as a strategic partner for their innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation goals.” 

3M’s service center in Costa Rica has consistently evolved its offerings by integrating technology, moving from transactional tasks to efficiently automating certain processes while enabling employees to add value through their expertise and experience. The company has also developed capabilities in analytics, automation, and end-to-end digital process management, setting a new standard in the services industry.

In parallel, operations align with 3M’s ESG strategy, collaborating with local NGOs on sustainability initiatives and promoting STEAM careers.

Looking ahead, 3M continually evaluates new opportunities to expand capabilities, solidifying its role as a strategic hub within its global corporate services network.

CINDE is the strategic guide and expert in Costa Rican investment, business development, and talent initiatives. With more than 43 years of experience working with multinational companies and as a key player in the investment ecosystem, CINDE has launched dozens of talent development initiatives as a core component of Costa Rica’s business climate and has supported the establishment of over 450 multinational companies.