About Us
Why CIS?
Precision You Can Trust, Complete Accountability
Expert handling. Proven precision. Total confidence.
For over 50 years, CIS has delivered safe, seamless handling of high-value and sensitive machinery for global brands across the pharmaceutical and food industries. Our experienced engineers and uniformed teams bring proven expertise, disciplined processes, and complete accountability to every move — ensuring your equipment is handled with precision, professionalism, and care.
Clean, Controlled, and Compliant
Where cleanliness and control meet flawless execution.
In environments where cleanliness and compliance are critical, CIS sets the standard. From spotless vehicles and uniformed staff to strict adherence to GMP and site protocols, we work with the same attention to detail you expect from your own teams. Every lift, shift, and installation is completed to the highest standards of hygiene and control — protecting both your assets and your reputation.
Confidence Through Continuity
The same trusted team — every move, every time.
Our clients choose CIS because they know exactly who they’re working with — the same trusted faces, familiar with your sites, your processes, and your expectations. We plan around your shutdown windows, minimise downtime, and deliver on time, every time. With CIS, you gain a partner who takes the worry out of complex moves, providing assurance, safety, and peace of mind from start to finish.
Our History
CIS is a family-run business built on trust, precision, and pride in what we do.
Established in 1969 by Jim Leppenwell, the company was founded with a clear purpose — to serve businesses with care, integrity, and technical excellence, keeping customers’ equipment safe and their operations running smoothly.
Over the decades, that same commitment has guided everything we do. What began as a small, specialist lifting and shifting service has, under the direction of Jim’s sons Brian and Colin, evolved into a trusted partner for global organisations across the pharmaceutical, food, and manufacturing industries.
Today, under the leadership of his grandchildren as Managing Director and Financial Director, CIS continues to strengthen its reputation for reliability, flexibility, and personal service.
Our clients know us for our attention to detail and our value-led approach. We combine the expertise of a national provider with the accountability and consistency of a family business, the same familiar faces, the same high standards, every time.
From the cleanliness of our fleet to the professionalism of our team, we deliver precision and care in every project. We understand the critical nature of what we handle; delicate, high-value machinery that keeps your business moving and we take that responsibility personally.
At CIS, we don’t just move machinery, we move it safely, cleanly, and with generations of trust behind us.
JBC Crawley Industrial Services, a pedigree of more than 50 years
1969
In 1969, war-time aircraft mechanic and machine fitter, Jim Leppenwell founded the company to service the burgeoning industrial centre of the New Town of Crawley.
CIS was on hand for local businesses to install, remove and relocate presses, guillotines, mills and any other heavy items.
1973
In 1973, Jim’s son Brian joined him and working together they began to grow CIS. Brian identified an opportunity to provide CIS’ heavy lifting experience and expertise to the pharmaceutical sector.
Companies who needed cleanliness, delicacy and precision, alongside respect of their high-value property.
2012
In 2012, Brian’s son David swapped a career in national newspapers to lead the company as Managing Director.
After several years ‘on the tools’ in his late teens and early 20’s, David is now a CSCS Appointed Person (Lifting Operations), SSSTS and is responsible for the company’s Health and Safety.
CIS continues to refine its expertise in the heavy lifting and precision movement of fine machinery. No project is too large or too small. Our dependable and experienced team is on hand to support businesses across Europe.
The CIS Office & Survey Team
David Leppenwell
David returned to CIS in 2012 after a career in National Newspapers, overseeing complex projects from the outset. He leads the business with a focus on operational excellence and client satisfaction. With extensive experience in the industry, he is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes while building strong, collaborative teams and long-term partnerships.
In his spare time, David enjoys cooking, movies and comedy, and likes to socialise with friends and family.
Managing Director
Ruth Leppenwell
Ruth is closely involved in the running of the company, with responsibility for finance, compliance, training, and overall day-to-day operations. As part of the founding family, she takes pride in helping keep the business running smoothly while supporting both our team and long-term growth.
Outside of work, Ruth enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. She is passionate about swimming and fitness and also loves to travel.
Finance and HR Director
Since leaving the Royal Engineers in 1984, Lee has lifted and shifted machinery first as a HIAB Operator, and then on the tools generally before progressing to be 'Top Surveyor' for CIS. He has been with CIS for more than 32 years now!
Lee enjoys socialising with friends and family, watching football (Up The Albion!), playing golf, and walking his dog, Milo.
Senior Surveyor and CPCS Appointed Person (Lifting Operations)Lee Knight
Andy joined the team full time three years ago, coming from an engineering background and having worked with CIS as a hot-works sub-contractor for twenty years. Andy not only works alongside Lee as a Surveyor, but also still gets his hands dirty on the tools with the rest of the site team.
Outside of work, Andy enjoys running, cricket and playing the not-so-well-known game of Toad in the Hole.
Surveyor and CPCS Appointed Person (Lifting Operations)