ECHING, NAB 2007 – Sachtler products have been produced in Costa Rica since 1985. Having started with a staff of fifteen in Cartago, a suburb of San José, the site has grown into a factory today employing around 100 people. Since its expansion in February 2007, a total of four machining centres with double spindles, various tool magazines, horizontal and vertical machining centres are in use at the 3,000 square metre site, in order to handle the total production of this and two other brands in the Vitec Group.

 
Synergy effects on the German and Costa Rican side
The location in a tax-free zone allows Sachtler to produce high quality products at competitive prices in all product areas. “In order to ensure that our customers enjoy their accustomed Sachtler quality, production in Costa Rica is carried out at the most modern level” says CEO Heinz Kossler. “Our development engineers in Munich and production engineers in Costa Rica are constantly in contact. The latest requirements are discussed and implemented at regular information exchange sessions. Naturally, there are also reciprocal visits and comprehensive documentation.” There is a strong awareness of the high standards required on both sides, with customers relying on the well-trained staff in the Vitec Group worldwide.

 
Suppliers produce to Sachtler standard
Not just the business and Sachtler benefit from having production in Costa Rica. In the past eight years, production there has also boosted growth in the supply industry: “The systems used in industrial production, such as machining, rubber processing and plastic injection moulding, have been constantly developed and were based on our strict quality requirements right from the start,” says local CEO Julio Lizano. “Suppliers here produce to Sachtler’s own standard, enabling us supply top quality at all times.”  

Full production by 2008
With the new machines installed, full production is expected by 2008, Heinz Kossler and Julio Lizano are looking expectantly to the future:  “The combination of German ingenuity and Costa Rican productive efficiency has paid off in full measure,” they said, “giving ample scope for more products featuring Sachtler’s traditional standards: security, reliability and robustness.”