Tico Electronics as an idea began in 1994 when a team of individuals from Southern California came to Costa Rica on a short term mission trip. While there, Earl and Gail Melander became involved in discussions with the head of Christ for the City, the organization sponsoring the visit. This individual had a dream that a reputable company could be set up to make an effort to provide work to single mothers, which as one of their ministries helps a segment of the population that is often over looked in this culture.

Tico Electronics was incorporated in the summer of 1995 and the practice of hiring single mothers, whenever possible has been in place. This policy has had a direct effect on our turnover rate, one that is lower than the national average which is already well below other sites around the world, including China.

Tico Electronics provides medical, dental and optical coverage for all of its employees in Costa Rica.  This is more than most companies there and adds to the success of our work environment.

We have grown from a few workers in a humble setting to over 250 employees by the end of 2006. The company now has two buildings located near each other in the same free zone. This gives us plenty of room to continue our growth. We also have access to a large pool of talented potential employees in our immediate area.

Our company is committed to continuously raising the bar of our capabilities. We push that bar higher through continued certifications and training. To help keep our standards, we have several ‘positive pressure’ rooms and an area for clean room applications as well.

Here are some of the high lights of our company and our location:

• Competitive Labor Rates.
• Costa Rica’s Emphasis on Education.
• Literacy Rate of Costa Rican people (95.6% - higher than the U.S. rate).
• English is spoken with customers.
• Turnover Rate – approximately 5%.
• ITARS and MLA’s (manufacturing licensing agreements) currently in place with various customers.
• About 42,000 square feet for both buildings.
• Clean Room 100,000 and positive pressure rooms.
• VoIP (providing cost effective phone service for customers).
• No tax on assemblies.
• Close proximity to the U.S.
• Easy to get to.
• Same hemisphere and never more than two hours difference for North American customers.
• Most of the countries population is below 35 years of age.
• Payment normally on a per piece basis.
• Great destination! Why not go someplace that’s great for business and pleasure!
  

Key Certifications and Training:

• ISO 9001
• IPC 610 class III (hand solder)
• J-STD-001 (hand solder)
• MSC-Spec-Q-1A (electrical crimping for NASA manned spacecraft)
• NASA-STD-8739.4 (crimping interconnecting cables, harnesses and wiring)
• HAT

	Tico Two is our second facility, located adjacent to the original building in the same Free Zone. It was incorporated Q1 of 2006 and was added due to increased sales and a need for more floor space. Flexibility and growth are not a problem for us whether space and/or adding quality people and Tico Two is a part of that process.

We have voice over IP which allows us to communicate more cost effectively and provides our U.S. customers with a U.S. area code in order to also contact us economically – that number is (646) 289-8075.

All employees are covered with medical, dental and optical health coverage.

Tico Electronics takes great pride in its people. We have grown drastically since 1999 and in 2006 we eclipsed 200 employees; however we continuously strive to maintain our core identity. Our employees are happy and content and we all look for ways to make the work place a safe, successful, productive, creative and happy one. We have a unique style in our work place and we will always strive to keep it that way.

For example we start every day with a variety of activities that inform, inspire and help our people. Our morning meeting that takes place in front of the building as shown in the picture; begins with special activities for the day, announcements, b-days, lotteries, etc. We then have an inspirational reading and prayer. Finally we finish with light exercises and stretching. This experience leaves our folks a little more ready for the day.