Meijer Handling Solutions recently delivered a fully automated Pallet Transfer Hub to Nolet Family Distillery, marking another successful collaboration in advanced pallet handling automation.
What began as a request for a stationary pallet changer evolved into a fully integrated turnkey pallet transfer solution. In close cooperation with Kumatech, a specialist in AGV systems, buffer storage, and pallet dispensers, a system was developed that integrates seamlessly with Nolet’s highly automated logistics operation. By combining expertise in pallet handling equipment and warehouse automation, the partners created a reliable solution designed for efficient pallet transfer within a high-volume production environment.
The video below shows the final testing phase of the pallet transfer hub before delivery to the customer, demonstrating how the system operates and how loads are transferred smoothly between pallets within the automated process.
Nolet produces high volumes of palletized loads on slipsheets. Previously, these loads were transported and stored internally on wooden pallets. However, wooden pallets can introduce contamination risks, operational disruptions, and safety concerns in automated logistics environments. In automated systems, consistent pallet quality is essential to maintain smooth material flows and prevent interruptions in the handling process.
Because Nolet operates a fully automated internal transport and storage system, consistency and cleanliness are critical. For this reason, the decision was made to switch to plastic pallets for production, internal transport, and storage. Plastic pallets provide greater uniformity, improved hygiene, and better compatibility with automated warehouse systems.
At the shipping stage, however, pallet requirements can differ depending on the destination and logistics setup. In many cases, loads are shipped on slipsheets, while in other situations wooden pallets are still required for transport. Approximately 80% of shipments leave the facility on slipsheets, while the remaining shipments are transported on wooden pallets.
To support this process, Meijer Handling Solutions developed an automated pallet transfer hub that efficiently transfers loads — including the slipsheet — from plastic pallets to wooden pallets when required. This allows Nolet to maintain the advantages of plastic pallets internally while still meeting external shipping requirements and logistics standards.
Within the system, empty plastic pallets are automatically returned to the pallet dispenser, while new wooden pallets are supplied simultaneously. The pallet transfer hub is integrated with two pallet dispensers, both of which can be loaded and unloaded from the front, ensuring easy access and efficient operation.
This innovative concept creates a compact, efficient, and highly reliable pallet transfer system for handling palletized loads in a high-volume production environment. By integrating the pallet transfer hub with the surrounding automation infrastructure, the system supports continuous material flow throughout the facility.
While one pallet is being loaded into the system, the pallet transfer hub simultaneously prepares the next slipsheet transfer. This continuous process ensures smooth pallet handling and prevents delays in the logistics flow. The automated system minimizes manual intervention and helps maintain consistent operational performance throughout the production process.
By automating this critical step in the material handling process, the solution helps Nolet maintain efficient internal transport, while reducing manual handling and improving operational reliability.
The project demonstrates how smart pallet handling automation can support modern logistics environments where hygiene, consistency, and efficiency are essential.
With this new pallet transfer hub, Nolet takes another important step toward its ambition of becoming one of the world’s leading distilleries, supported by advanced automation and innovative logistics solutions.
The project is the result of close collaboration and shared expertise between Meijer Handling Solutions and Kumatech — a partnership that led to a solution tailored perfectly to Nolet’s operational needs.
A strong example of joint innovation and a project we are proud to have delivered.
