5,000 employees strong: Growing together at Intuitive Mexicali

Eighteen years ago, Intuitive began building something new in Mexicali. Today, the site has reached a milestone that reflects just how far it has come: 5,000 employees.

But ask the people who have been part of that growth what this moment means, and they’ll tell you the story isn’t really about a number. It’s about the people behind it—the colleagues who have learned from one another, supported one another, and grown their careers together. And it’s about a shared sense of purpose in knowing their contributions connect to Intuitive’s mission.

For Ivette Ramade, who was Intuitive Mexicali’s second employee, reaching 5,000 is a chance to reflect on what has remained constant even as the site has transformed. “This number represents years of trust, teamwork, and a culture that puts quality, respect, and responsibility at the center of everything we do.”

Ivette remembers an early milestone when the team produced 100 instruments in a single day. Today, the Mexicali site produces millions of instruments and accessories each year. “It reminds me that growth happens one milestone at a time, powered by people who care.”

Growing careers alongside the site

For Elsa Miranda, Director, HRBL, the growth has been personal. When she joined Intuitive, the Mexicali site had just over 2,000 employees. “It has been a journey with many challenges and changes, but being part of this historic milestone fills me with pride and excitement.”

Elsa is incredibly proud of the number of people whose careers and professional and personal growth have been made possible by Intuitive Mexicali. “Our growth has created opportunities for so many people. Many employees have completed their education, learned English, or developed new skills to prepare for future challenges.”

She has also seen Intuitive’s reputation grow within Mexicali itself. Elsa recalls being recognized as an Intuitive employee by a cashier at a local store who immediately asked how he could apply because he had heard it was a great company.

Moments like that reflect something Elsa has felt since joining: “I have always been in love with our culture.”

A mission that reaches beyond the site

That pride also comes from understanding where the products made in Mexicali ultimately go.

For Ricardo Paniagua, Equipment Engineering Manager, the connection became especially tangible when da Vinci technology began appearing in hospitals in his own community. “Seeing da Vinci systems being used in hospitals here in Mexicali and Tijuana is a powerful reminder that the work we do every day is helping expand access to healthcare technology.”

One of his proudest moments came outside of work, when his daughter spotted a billboard for a local hospital promoting da Vinci surgery. “She immediately said, ‘That’s where your work is!’”

For Ricardo, the site’s expansion has also opened new possibilities for employees. As Mexicali has grown, so have opportunities to contribute in areas including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, finance, human resources and facilities—and to develop careers that can extend beyond the site.

Growing with a constant focus on what matters most

Rodrigo Arzate, VP, Operations, joined Intuitive Mexicali when the site had approximately 1,200 employees. He has watched that number climb to 5,000 while helping the organization navigate periods of enormous change.

Through that growth, he sees culture as central to what comes next. “Our culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning creates opportunities to grow personally and professionally while contributing to our mission.”

For Rodrigo, reaching 5,000 is not an endpoint. The site continues to evolve, bringing new projects, challenges and opportunities for the people who choose to build their careers here.

That forward-looking perspective is shared by employees who have experienced very different chapters of Intuitive Mexicali—from Ivette’s earliest days at the site to Elsa, Ricardo and Rodrigo watching it expand into the organization it is today.

Their stories point to a common thread: growth here has always been about more than getting bigger. It’s about creating opportunities for people to learn from one another, contribute their skills and connect what they do every day to something meaningful.

Five thousand employees is a milestone worth celebrating. It’s also a reminder that the next chapter will be shaped by the people who join us next.