Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- Evolution with Customer Focus: AVNA's evolution has been driven by the needs of its customers, leading to a rebranding that reflects its commitment to "Advance Innovation."
- Workforce Growth: AVNA plans to double its workforce in the next years, in response to the expanding market demand.
- Costa Rica’s Talent Ecosystem: The country offers a specialized, tailored ecosystem that has been built and refined over decades, providing companies with a skilled workforce.
- Empowering People: The focus is on developing their people, with the belief that empowered employees will drive the company's success.
- Long-Term Vision: Emphasizing that life is a marathon, AVNA faces challenges with a strategic, long-term approach.
- Trusted Partner: AVNA aspires to be the trusted partner for its clients, providing comprehensive solutions to meet their needs.
- New Facility Inauguration: The company is celebrating the opening of its new building, marking an important milestone in its growth.
EF: Can you elaborate on AVNA's journey within Costa Rica and its strategic importance? What are the current priorities you’re working on?
MC: US-based AVNA INC. opened its Costa Rica facility 13 years ago with only five people and a big dream. Today, we're over 150 strong, with strong ambitions. We recently celebrated the opening of our new and expanded facility, and over the next three years, we plan to double the size of our team. My role has been about more than just building a manufacturing company from the beginning. It's all about creating the right culture. We focus on growth, constant improvement, and empowering our people because when we invest in them, they move the company forward. We've created a place where talent can grow, and everyone feels part of something meaningful. It connects to our mission: improving lives, one part at a time.
We’re expanding our operations because the life science market in Costa Rica has been growing steadily, and it’s still gaining momentum. More and more medical device OEMs are coming into the country, and our main goal is to provide them the highest quality components and assemblies We’ve also been bringing in new technologies, which will create a need for more talent.
EF: Can you elaborate on your portfolio and what your customers require from you the most?
MC: We work with various technologies, including laser processing like laser cutting, welding, marking, and CNC machining, which covers CNC Swiss-type lathes, CNC milling, and CNC lathes. We also offer stamping and plastic insert molding. We recently introduced new technologies, like ECG grinding and guidewire processing. Additionally, our new facility will house clean rooms, which allow us to perform sub-assembly for our customers in a controlled, environment. These additions are part of the growth we've been driving over the past few months and years.
EF: Could you elaborate on your recent rebranding? What does it mean to the market?
MC: Our rebranding took place in 2024, marking a turning point for us. It reflects how much the company has evolved. We started over 100 years ago as a small tool shop and gradually expanded, building on different technologies and skills. When we opened our facility here in Costa Rica, we mainly made small parts, spare parts, and basic components. Now, we've moved into more complex sub-assemblies and advanced manufacturing.
The rebranding was a way to better align ourselves with our current and future core market focus, the medical device industry. AVNA stands for "Advancing Innovation," which captures exactly what we aim for: constantly innovating and bringing new ideas to our customers through our technologies. Before the rebranding, we served multiple industries, but with this shift, we decided to focus on the medical device sector.
EF: How does AVNA choose partners to work with, and what do other companies look into when deciding to go with AVNA?
MC: We've built a unique offering by integrating multiple technologies under one roof. Our goal is to provide a complete manufacturing solution for our customers. In the beginning, we focused on making individual parts. Eventually, we added welding as a capability to produce, pairs of parts that needed to be combined, which led us to laser processing. Then, when we saw the need for plastic components, we also brought that capability in-house. We've grown by following our customers' needs. Today, we focus on being a trusted partner by offering complete solutions, not just parts. Customers come to AVNA because they know we can deliver much more than just a piece; we provide the whole solution.
EF: You love running. How does your running tie in with your leadership style, vision, and growing your team, and how do you keep them motivated on this growth journey?
MC: I see a lot of similarities between that and everyday life, especially in manufacturing. I've had training cycles where the journey was tough, but the race was amazing. Sometimes, I've prepared perfectly, but the marathon didn't go as planned. Other times, like when I was ready to qualify for the Boston Marathon, an injury just a week before stopped me from even starting. Surprises and challenges pop up all the time. Some days feel like a tough run; you may not feel your best, but you must keep pushing forward. Whether it's a fast or slow day, every effort moves you forward, and it all adds up over time. It also teaches resilience and sets an example for others. At AVNA, for instance, we encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Every year, we participate in a race here in Costa Rica with distances of 10 and 21 kilometers. Around 50 employees and even some of their family members join us. It's one more way we live out our mission of improving lives, starting from within the company.
EF: How do you see AI changing the way medical technology is seen?
MC: That's something we have to embrace. If we don't, we risk being left behind. We need to take full advantage of these advancements. We have already started integrating AI, particularly on the administrative side of the business, and the impact has been tremendous in terms of efficiency.
We've seen improvements on the manufacturing floor, especially in programming CNC machines. What previously took three to four hours to program can now be completed with AI-supported tools in five to seven minutes. We are actively exploring and adopting these new technologies because they fundamentally change how we think, operate, and manufacture.
EF: What has been your proudest moment since you started in the company?
MC: My proudest moment happened during the pandemic. Along with many leaders during this time, I made the difficult decision to reduce work hours to maintain a full staff. I remember spending the night before preparing myself emotionally, particularly thinking about those who earn the least in the company. When I delivered the message to the team, I did so with tears in my eyes.
After the meeting, one of our employees approached me and thanked me for finding a solution to keep everyone employed, and he assured me they would find ways to make it through. It was a humbling affirmation that I had built a supportive and dedicated team that sticks together no matter what. It's still one of the most emotional and meaningful experiences I've had here. I've had many proud moments, but that one will always stay close to my heart.
EF: In two years, when the company is celebrating its 15th anniversary, what would you like to toast for?
MC: It has been an incredible and rewarding journey for us. In two years, as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we will be even more robust, with greater integration of AI into our processes. However, at the core, there will always be our talented people, driving and reinforcing our purpose and mission: improving lives one part at a time. Change is happening faster than ever. Products are becoming smaller, smarter, and more personalized. We're not just keeping up; we're leading. We'll keep innovating to find better solutions for our customers. This new building is a big milestone, but only the beginning.
