Kaleido by ViCentra is ready to grow

Kaleido is one of the smallest insulin pumps in the world, allowing people with type 1 diabetes to live life on their own terms. “Users can easily and very precisely manage their insulin delivery,” says Johan van Vlaanderen, global supply chain director at ViCentra. The need for an insulin pump that fits your lifestyle is huge, he explains. “People with type 1 diabetes are managing their condition 24/7. Kaleido makes it all a bit more colorful and easier. The pump is small, even with its trendy design. With it, we help users manage their diabetes as easily and pleasantly as possible.”

ViCentra started as a startup and is now expanding across Europe; in the Netherlands and France, many users have already embraced Kaleido. Behind the scenes, the expansion from one to three production lines is physical proof of these growth ambitions. “We’re in the middle of moving to a larger building in De Meern, with a cleanroom that’s three times bigger than our old facility in Utrecht—almost 150 square meters,” explains Rees Wilson, technical project manager at ViCentra.

The new cleanroom meets ISO classification 7 standards “because we produce medical consumables here. That means strict requirements for sterility and contamination. Together with Kuijpers, we created a design that their technicians then executed according to all specifications.”

Kuijpers’ controlled environments specialists from PHF Services teamed up with their electrical engineering colleagues. Brecon, also part of the cleanroom consortium PP4CE like Kuijpers, was involved as well. Project leader Danny van der Plas from Kuijpers: “ViCentra’s new cleanroom includes not just a production area but also a packaging room, an airlock, and changing rooms. All of these must meet high standards in line with ISO cleanroom classifications.” That requires a lot of technology, which Kuijpers centered around an air handling unit with filter fans and HEPA filters. This ensures excellent filtration, circulation, and overpressure so the air in the cleanroom is always pure. Kuijpers also configured the system to maintain a constant temperature of 19 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of 45% for a comfortable working environment.

The project started in early 2022 and went smoothly—“until we ran into supply issues,” says Rees. “The global demand for air handling systems is enormous right now.” ViCentra had to adjust its schedule. There was no luxury of a long delay. Rees: “We need to start production of Kaleido at the new location this year because the old site is being demolished.” Kuijpers managed to minimize delays by flexibly rescheduling other tasks.

Danny: “We moved up the flushing of all air ducts and pre-installed and activated all filters. Once the air handling unit is delivered, all that’s left is to connect it.” From that point, ViCentra can begin validation and run its Kaleido production lines at full capacity in a controlled environment.

Johan: “Kuijpers’ flexibility and solution-oriented thinking were very welcome.” He also praised the way Kuijpers handled safety on-site, “because that’s just as important to us.” Rees expressed appreciation for the quality of the work, with special recognition for project leader Danny and Kuijpers trainee Giulio Jacobs, who stood out for his professionalism. “Together with the whole team, they delivered an impressive result. In a relatively short time, we’ve built a high-quality production facility with them that will support our planned growth. Most importantly: our employees are happy with the outcome and can’t wait to get started.”