In an era of global supply-chain realignment, Puerto Rico is emerging as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing within the United States.

At the Puerto Rico Manufacturing Summit 2025, leaders across biopharma, technology, food production, and energy agreed: resilience, innovation, and a highly skilled local workforce are Puerto Rico’s strongest advantages.

Amgen Strengthens Its Commitment with a $650 Million Expansion

For Amgen, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, confidence in Puerto Rico translates into long-term investment.

The company recently announced a $650 million expansion of its Juncos facility, expected to create around 750 new jobs and expand global production capacity.

During the summit, Irene Villafañe, Vice President of Manufacturing – Drug Product, emphasized that this investment reflects both operational excellence and the trust the company places in Puerto Rico’s manufacturing ecosystem.

She noted that Puerto Rico’s reliability, quality standards, and workforce performance exceed many global markets, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Amgen’s U.S. biomanufacturing network.

The expansion will integrate advanced biomanufacturing technologies to strengthen Amgen’s global supply chain and deepen Puerto Rico’s role in U.S. biomanufacturing.

Automation with a Human Purpose

In the beverage and spirits sector, Ing. Liza Cordero, Master Blender at Destilería Serrallés, described how automation has become a tool for empowerment rather than replacement.

Based in Ponce, Destilería Serrallés is Puerto Rico’s oldest family-owned distillery and the maker of iconic rum brands such as Don Q and Palo Viejo. Since 1865, the company has combined tradition with innovation to produce world-class spirits that reach markets across the globe.

By automating repetitive and ergonomically challenging tasks, Serrallés has improved both efficiency and workplace safety.

“Automation has allowed us to optimize processes and protect our people’s health while continuing to develop local talent,” said Cordero.

She also emphasized that retaining and developing Puerto Rican talent is essential for competitiveness, noting that technology and people must advance together to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.

Resilience as a Competitive Edge

Carlos Rodríguez Gurrola, General Manager of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Puerto Rico, highlighted how the company has strengthened its operations since Hurricane María.

From its facility in Aguadilla, HPE manages technology manufacturing, supply-chain operations, and IT servicesthat support its global business. The site also operates a combined heat-and-power (CHP) plant, allowing it to stay fully operational even when the public grid is down — a model of energy independence and continuity.

“Resilience is more than energy — it’s infrastructure, talent, and the ability to adapt quickly,” Rodríguez Gurrola explained.

These investments demonstrate how companies in Puerto Rico are not just surviving disruptions but setting new standards for reliability and sustainability in advanced manufacturing.

Quality and Reputation That Build Confidence

From the food manufacturing sector, Carlos Rovira, President & CEO of Rovira Biscuit Corporation, reaffirmed that quality and reputation remain Puerto Rico’s most valuable differentiators.

Founded in Ponce in 1929, Rovira is a family-owned company that has grown from a small bakery into one of Puerto Rico’s most recognized food manufacturers, exporting its crackers across the U.S. and the Caribbean.

“Doing things exceptionally well is what keeps us competitive,” Rovira said.

That commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in the company’s people. Rovira’s success has been guided by generations of local talent — technicians, engineers, and operators — who continue to lead process improvements and adopt automation to enhance efficiency without sacrificing craftsmanship.

It’s a philosophy that mirrors Puerto Rico’s broader manufacturing culture: innovation built on pride, skill, and precision.

A Proven Platform for the Future of Manufacturing

Puerto Rico offers a rare combination of advantages for manufacturers seeking growth and stability:

• A bilingual, technically skilled workforce with deep experience in regulated industries.
• Modern industrial infrastructure, including more than 40 FDA-approved manufacturing facilities.
• Direct access to the U.S. market, with competitive tax incentives.
• An evolving energy ecosystem, advancing toward renewable and cogeneration solutions.

In Puerto Rico, manufacturers don’t just operate — they evolve.

The island provides a stable, innovative, and connected environment for companies pursuing sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Discover how Puerto Rico can power your advanced manufacturing expansion.