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Computer pioneer Hewlett-Packard (HP) is is set to increase its operation in this country with an increase of 2,000 jobs over the next two years, the firm announced this week. The multinational giant will augment its service from a new building at the Ultrapark II free trade zone in which it has had an operation since 2002, starting with only 123 employees, and currently employs 6,500 workers.
The company uses the facility to support its offerings throughout the world, from servers and printers to the development of new software, a La Republica newspaper article reported. Despite worldwide economic uncertainties, HP is only one of a number of companies establishing or expanding in the nation, lured by an educated workforce and a stable society and government.
One feature of the new 12,000 square meter building is that it is constructed to minimize emission of greenhouse gases, very much coinciding with the Chinchilla Administration"s drive for a "green" country with zero carbon footprint, a program begun in the past administration of President Oscar Arias. For example, the new building contains sizable windows to utilize natural light, avoiding excessive use of electrical power.
HP has invested $38.5 million so far this year in their local operation.
"It's incredible," commented the Mexican-born general manager of HP Costa Rica, Arturo Velasco, "how easily the Costa Rican people adapt to change. We are able to train people here much more rapidly than elsewhere."
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