Single-Double Attachment (Multi-pallet handler) with telescopic forks

Huhtamaki Nederland B.V., located in Franeker in the northern Netherlands, is part of the international Huhtamaki Group. The company employs over 150 people and specializes in the production and sale of sustainable molded fiber packaging. Its product range mainly includes egg cartons, egg trays, and cup carriers.

From Internal Storage to External Logistics Partnership
Each day, Huhtamaki loads 18 trailers with pallets (measuring 1200×1000 mm) for off-site storage. In the past, the company maintained its own warehouse and rented additional storage space near the production facilities. Pallets of egg trays were shuttled between production and storage using a dedicated internal transport service. However, further professionalization and increasingly strict food safety regulations led to a strategic decision to outsource storage and distribution to an external logistics partner. This partner now collects, stores, and distributes the pallets to customers on a daily basis.

Tight Logistics Planning and Efficient Loading
The window for logistics operations is limited, meaning the 18 trailers must be loaded and unloaded quickly and efficiently. There is always an extra trailer standing by, while a truck with a full trailer is already en route to storage.

Huhtamaki has relied on fork positioners with telescopic (reach) forks for decades. This setup originated when trucks had to be loaded from one side due to space constraints. The hydraulic extendable forks allow operators to pick up four pallets at once, enabling fast and flexible trailer loading.

Multi-Functional Forklifts for 24/7 Operations
Today, Huhtamaki still relies on this system. Several forklifts are equipped nowadays with these so-called multi-pallet handlers, which transport pallets from the wrapping department to buffer storage. Usually, two pallets are moved at once with the ReachForks retracted and then placed side by side in the buffer zone.

Since Huhtamaki operates 24/7, pallet flow remains constant. Pallets are buffered during weekends, and the logistics partner clears them during the week. Thanks to outsourced storage, there is now ample space inside to load trailers efficiently.

Fast and Safe Loading
Loading a trailer takes an average of 10 minutes. Each trailer holds 26 pallets, loaded in seven moves: six times with four pallets and once with two. An experienced forklift operator can complete this process in just eight minutes. In rare cases, two forklifts are used, though this is seldom necessary. More importantly, loading with a single forklift is safer and offers better visibility of the load.

The Advantages of ReachForks over Long Fixed Forks
The combination of a fork positioner and reach forks offers a high degree of flexibility in internal transport. This configuration allows the forklift to easily pick up one, two, or even four pallets simultaneously, contributing to efficient and rapid loading of trailers and storage buffers.

An additional benefit is that the weight per pallet remains relatively low (approximately 300 kg), eliminating the need for oversized forklifts. This helps reduce costs and avoids unnecessary strain on floors and equipment.

Compared to fixed, extra-long forks, reach forks are also significantly safer. Long forks require a wider turning radius and increase the risk of damage to goods, infrastructure, or other vehicles. Especially when moving just one or two pallets, the risk of accidents rises due to protruding forks. In contrast, reach forks can be retracted when not in use, improving maneuverability and reducing the chance of incidents in the workplace.