As El Salvador emerges as a rising hub for innovation and high-value industries, one of the most compelling examples of this transformation is the pharmaceutical megafacility operated by VIJOSA — a milestone not only for the country, but for the entire region.
This advanced manufacturing site was inaugurated in November 2023 in Santa Tecla, just west of the capital. Built with an investment of over $100 million, the facility is now recognized as the largest and most modern pharmaceutical plant in Central America, and among the three largest in Latin America.
🏭 A High-Capacity, High-Precision Operation
The plant spans more than 27,000 square meters and operates over 600 production lines. Its daily capacity exceeds 8 million medication units, including tablets, capsules, injectables, powders, and syrups.
Such scale is made possible by advanced automation systems and continuous production cycles designed to ensure efficiency without compromising quality.
Every stage of production — from formulation to packaging — is monitored and controlled through digital systems that meet strict global pharmaceutical standards.
The facility includes a fully equipped quality control laboratory with high-performance analytical tools such as HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), allowing VIJOSA to comply with regulatory requirements for markets in North America, Europe, and Latin America.
🔬 Designed for Global-Grade Compliance
VIJOSA’s plant follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and aligns with international protocols such as those set by the World Health Organization and Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S). These certifications allow it to supply medications to countries with rigorous import regulations.
The company’s focus on compliance is not just technical — it’s strategic. By designing the facility from the ground up to meet global standards, VIJOSA has positioned itself — and El Salvador — as a serious player in international pharmaceutical trade.
☀️ Sustainability at Industrial Scale
Beyond its production capabilities, the plant is notable for its environmental vision. It is powered in large part by 5,300 solar panels, which generate around 2,800 megawatt-hours per year. This makes it one of the few pharmaceutical plants in the region operating with such a strong emphasis on renewable energy.
👥 Local Impact and Long-Term Vision
The megafacility currently supports over 1,000 jobs, ranging from highly technical roles in chemistry and engineering to logistics, maintenance, and administration. VIJOSA has also invested in training programs and partnerships with local universities to develop specialized talent and ensure long-term sustainability of its workforce.
The ripple effect goes beyond employment. The plant strengthens local supply chains, boosts national exports, and enhances El Salvador’s profile as a destination for advanced manufacturing.
A Country on the Move 🇸🇻
VIJOSA’s plant is more than just an industrial complex — it is a statement of intent. It reflects El Salvador’s ability to execute world-class infrastructure projects, integrate renewable technologies, and align with global regulatory expectations.
For international observers, investors, and partners, it is a clear sign that El Salvador is building more than roads and factories — it is building a reputation.
