Disetronic is growing rapidly and needs more space
In 1994 and 1995, Disetronic constructed a new building at Oberburg railway station for 20 million Swiss francs, which still remains today as the company headquarters of Ypsomed. The 7200 square metre building was necessary because the company would have otherwise been bursting at the seams.
The collaboration agreed upon with Hoechst in 1986 for the further development and marketing of the insulin pump led Disetronic to experience rapid growth in subsequent years. Both revenue and the number of employees are only familiar with one direction; upwards.
Disetronic introduces its first pens
Intensive work is being done to further develop the Hoechst infuser; the H-Tron pump. By now, the first pens have appeared in the market. These devices resemble oversized ballpoint pens and make it easier for patients to self-administer injections. Hoechst commissions Disetronic to develop a pen to participate in this new trend. Disetronic quickly introduces the D-Pen and the OptiPen as initial models and further refines them with a sophisticated twist-and-click system. The pens can be reused multiple times and provide precise dosing.
Number one in the insulin pump business
The company's main focus remains on the business of insulin pumps. With great success, in 1994 Disetronic is the clear number one in insulin pumps in Europe and number two behind MiniMed in the USA.
For a long time, demand exceeds capacity. Much manual work is still required in pump and pen production. During their summer holidays, Willy Michels' teenage sons, Simon and Serge Michel, also work in the production department.
Construction begins in Burgdorf
Already in the 1980s, Willy Michel purchased the Lenco area in Burgdorf with the plan to renovate the entire property. The project will finally be implemented in 1993, with the aim to complete the twenty-million-dollar project by 1995.
