Complex Biopharma Equipment Installation Across Italy and the UK
Project Overview
CIS was engaged to manage the specialist lifting, handling, and installation of two large fluid bed dryers and associated plant equipment for a major biopharmaceutical facility in Hertfordshire.
The project extended internationally, requiring CIS to travel to Italy to ensure the safe handling and transport preparation of the equipment prior to delivery and final installation in the UK.
The Challenge
The client required a precise and controlled solution to:
Receive and offload 5-metre-tall fluid bed dryers
Rotate the machines from horizontal to vertical
Lift and install them through a roof opening into an operational facility
Handle additional supporting equipment with equal precision
The need to maintain equipment integrity following factory testing
Why CIS Was Selected
CIS has been the approved lifting specialist on site for approximately 25 years, selected for:
Proven expertise in biopharma environments
Deep understanding of site-specific requirements and constraints
A long-standing reputation for safe, precise execution
Our Solution
UK Installation Strategy
CIS developed a detailed plan to:
Receive deliveries and safely offload all equipment
Rotate the fluid bed dryers to vertical position
Execute a crane lift through the building roof
Position each unit with high precision for integration into production
Smaller items were:
Offloaded via forklift trucks
Lifted into position using cranes in coordination with the main lifts
Adapting to Changing Requirements
A critical change arose during the project:
The manufacturer initially required the machines to be disassembled for transport. However, the client had already completed testing in Italy and determined that disassembly would compromise validation.
CIS Response: International Solution
CIS adapted by:
Travelling to the manufacturer’s facility in Bologna
Designing and transporting bespoke wooden cradles
Lifting and rotating the machines in one piece
Safely laying them horizontally for transport without disassembly
Local plant equipment was sourced to assist with controlled rotation, ensuring full compliance with safety and handling standards.
Execution
The project required:
Specialist lifting operations in both Italy and the UK
Careful coordination across international teams
Precision crane lifts through a restricted roof opening
Seamless transition from transport to final installation
And, as the team noted—an Italian phrasebook proved surprisingly useful on-site.
Results
✅ Machines successfully transported without disassembly
✅ Equipment safely rotated twice (horizontal ↔ vertical)
✅ Installed in final position ready for validation and production
✅Zero damage and no impact on testing integrity
Main Takeaways
This project highlights CIS’ ability to:
Deliver international lifting and logistics solutions
Adapt quickly to technical and client-driven changes
Maintain equipment integrity for validated systems
Execute complex lifts within restricted and sensitive environments
