MISION
Enjoy life!
VISION
To consistently be a PICA company:
Profitable
Innovative
Competitive
Attractive
MISION
Enjoy life!
VISION
To consistently be a PICA company:
Profitable
Innovative
Competitive
Attractive
HISTORY
Our Beginnings
In March 1924, Luis Alejandro López, a Venezuelan pharmacist, was on his way to the United States. As part of his journey, he made a stopover in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica. His plans changed when, during his stay, the Orotina earthquake occurred and caused immeasurable damages to the railway line, produced a large number of landslides, and resulted in suspension of all port activities. As a result, Luis Alejandro was unable to resume his trip to the United States.
In the midst of this natural disaster, the founder of what is now Zepol Laboratories lost all his belongings, with the exception of a simple metal tube that he carried at the time of the earthquake; in the tube, he kept his university degree and other important documents.
And this is how a 26-year-old Venezuelan man decided to stay and try his luck in Costa Rica. He became a pharmaceutical manager on the United Fruit Company’s banana plantations, where the needs of his environment lead López to formulate the renowned Zepol Ointment.
López Pharmacy
In 1939, he founded the López Pharmacy in downtown San José, where he began to formally market the product. However, it wasn’t until 1950 that Zepol Laboratories was founded, in order to manufacture the famous ointment on an industrial level.
A family business
In 1979, López’s son and successor, Dr. Alejandro López van der Laat, assumed the role of General Manager and led the company down a path of modernization and continuous improvement. Dr. López directed company operations until 2011, when his daughter, María Alejandra López Yglesias, assumed the role of General Director.
Years later, in the 90s, we launched our Zepol Kids Cold Ointment, the only camphor-free product developed to alleviate cold symptoms in children.
In 2008, the company launched Zepol Cream with versions for both adults and children. The new presentation offered a creamy base that could be easily absorbed.
Under the leadership of Don Alejandro, in 1998, Zepol Laboratories achieved ISO 9001 certification and became the first pharmaceutical laboratory in Central America to be certified under this standard.
In 2008, Zepol Laboratories achieved an additional certification: ISO 14001, which demonstrates our company’s sincere commitment to the environment.
Dr. López directed company operations until 2011, when his daughter, María Alejandra López Yglesias, assumed General Direction of the company.
In search of innovation
María Alejandra López Yglesias represents the third generation of the López family at the helm of Laboratorios Zepol S.A.
Under her leadership, the company has internationalized its products and services, and has reinforced its culture of innovation, making this one of its strategic objectives.
Today, Zepol Laboratories is committed to constant growth and to being a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company that both meets the challenges of the future and continues to represent Costa Rican pride.
Certifications
SOCIAL Commitment
Laboratorios Zepol S.A’s Corporate Social Responsibility program was inspired by Michael Porter’s proposal to “create shared value.” This concept focuses on developing connections between economic and social progress, and has the potential to fuel the next wave of global growth.
ACTIVE SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL POLICIES
We have a close relationship with our central government and municipalities.
COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY
We promote WIN-WIN relationships with all stakeholders.
FAMILY OUTREACH
We include families as part of the integral development of our people.
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
We promote comprehensive development for our ZEPOL People.
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
We have an internal culture of transparency and legal compliance.
