Kusters is specialist in Cleaning & Qualification! This entails the cleaning and qualification of high-tech components. In other words, we ensure that the products delivered to our customers meet the most stringent cleanliness requirements. The entire process, including production, cleaning inside and outside the cleanroom, and cleanliness measurement, takes place at Kusters’ facility on IJzerweg in Oss. A cleanroom is essential for this purpose; it is a controlled environment where airborne particles, temperature, humidity, and other parameters are strictly regulated to guarantee an exceptionally clean space.
The Cleaning & Qualification team, led by Harry van Hoof (Team Leader) and Etienne van de Kar (Cleaning and Qualification Technologist), consists of ten members and plays a vital role within Kusters.
With the opening of the facility on Ijzerweg in Oss in 2022, Etienne and Harry began establishing the expertise area of Cleaning & Qualification. Thanks to the extensive knowledge and experience of both gentlemen and their team, the department has since become a Competence Center within Andra Tech Group. We spoke with Harry and Etienne about the challenges their work entails.
Etienne: “In the past, it was often assumed that any contamination generated during the production process could easily be removed through cleaning. There wasn’t always enough focus on how certain operations affect the cleanliness of the final product. Fortunately, this mindset is slowly changing. Thanks to our integrated approach, where production, cleaning, and qualification all take place under one roof, it’s becoming increasingly clear what it takes to deliver a high-quality clean end product.”
“At Kusters, we focus on optimizing the process from the very beginning, during production itself, to ensure that we achieve the desired results in terms of cleanliness requirements at the end. This means, for example, carefully selecting the type of cooling emulsion used in a CNC machine, determining how long the emulsion remains in the machine, and considering which material was previously processed on the same machine. Additionally, we perform intermediate cleaning on some products, which makes the final cleaning process more efficient. This approach enables us to deliver products that meet our customers’ highest cleanliness standards. Of course, we have the necessary equipment to verify that a product is entirely clean, ensuring compliance with all regulations.”
Leader
With the commissioning of the facility on IJzerweg, Harry and Etienne began building in-house expertise around clean production. “Because we can manage the entire process in our factory—from the initial steps as the product enters the machine to the cleaning in the cleanroom afterward—we have complete control over the process and can continuously optimize it. At present, there are few, if any, companies in the Netherlands with the same knowledge and capabilities as we have. Additionally, our department is fully dedicated to clean production, which goes beyond simply cleaning products. For example, we also provide training for colleagues, covering topics like proper glove use and correctly rinsing products,” says Harry.
Our strength lies in the in-depth knowledge we possess and our pragmatic approach. We view our work with a fresh perspective and employ innovative methods, which set Kusters apart from the competition. This unique combination of expertise and a practical approach enables Kusters to offer efficient and effective solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
“The word ‘impossible’ doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. What I enjoy most about my work is the challenge of constantly pushing boundaries.” Etienne adds that the technological challenges of their work drive them to continuously find ways to elevate the entire team to a higher level. Thanks to the determination of both leaders, the ambition is to become a frontrunner in their field and to prove it. Within the Andra Tech Group, they have already achieved this and actively share their knowledge by developing training programs for sister companies. Yet, they still see ample room for growth: “We’re far from finished and can still develop further in many areas,” says Harry.