Business View Caribbean - April 2016 33
Product) in the manufacturing base.” In fact, out of a
total population of 3.5 million, approximately 250,000
Puerto Ricans work in the island’s manufacturing sec-
tor.
“It is the most important economic sector of Puerto
Rico and it’s been so for many, many years,” Garcia
says. “We have moved into very advanced manufactur-
ing, logistics, services, aerospace, pharmaceuticals,
bio-tech, medical devices, and infomatics (the science
of computer information systems). We have manufac-
turing from small entities that service larger, multi-na-
tional companies to some of the largest pharma prod-
ucts in the world that are made in Puerto Rico. The
largest bio-tech facility that Amgen has, worldwide, is
located in Puerto Rico. So, we have a little bit of every-
thing.”
The PRMA has approximately 1,200 members in two
major categories: manufacturing entities and service
entities - the companies that supply products and ser-
vices to the manufacturers. Garcia says that the Asso-
ciation communicates to its members through a vari-
ety of methods including meetings and seminars that
take place regularly throughout the island, and social
media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook.
The PRMA’s mandate is to help foster its members’
competitiveness, provide programs and services to
AT A GLANCE
WHO:
The Puerto Rico Manufacturers Associa-
tion
WHAT:
A trade organization representing the
island’s manufacturing sector
WHERE:
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
WEBSITE
:
