Pallet Recycling ‘Het Noorden’ Combines Repair Line with MultiSorter

Pallet repair line with MultiSorter: Pallet Recycling ‘Het Noorden’ B.V. has chosen an integrated solution from Pallet Sorting Systems. The installation combines ergonomic pallet repair with the automatic sorting and stacking of different pallet sizes. Pallets requiring repair are transported to the repair stations via side infeed conveyors. After inspection and repair, the pallets are placed on the central conveyor. The repaired pallets are then distributed between the automatic stackers and the Pallet MultiSorter. High-volume pallet types are sent directly to the automatic stackers. Pallet types that justify further sorting are transported to the MultiSorter and automatically divided into different groups.

Ergonomic pallet repair line with side infeed

The pallet repair line is designed to minimise the physical strain on repair workers. Pallets requiring repair are supplied directly to the workstations via side infeed conveyors. After inspection or repair, the employee places the pallet on the central conveyor. From that point onwards, the pallet is mechanically transported to the correct stacker or the MultiSorter. This allows the repair worker to concentrate fully on inspecting and repairing the pallet. Heavy manual transport between the workstation and the various stacking positions is no longer required.

The main ergonomic benefits include:

• side infeed of pallets requiring repair;
• pallets immediately available at the workstation;
• automatic discharge after inspection or repair;
• no manual transport to the sorting positions;
• no manual stacking of repaired pallets;
• fewer walking movements around the workstation;
• a fixed, safe and well-organised working environment.

This working method reduces physical strain and increases productivity per repair worker by approximately 35%.

Stackers for high-volume pallet types

After repair, the most common pallet types are transported directly to the automatic stackers. These are the high-volume pallet types for which a dedicated stacking position is available. By sending these pallets directly to the stackers, large pallet flows can be processed quickly and efficiently. The pallets are stacked automatically and do not need to pass through the MultiSorter first.

This provides:

• a short route for the most common pallet types;
• accurate and consistent sorting;
• fewer unnecessary transport movements;
• neat pallet stacks of up to 18 pallets high.

MultiSorter for further sorting

Not all pallet types arrive in sufficient quantities to justify a dedicated automatic stacker. These pallets often still have enough value to be sorted further by type, size or quality. Repaired pallets that justify further sorting are therefore automatically transported to the Pallet MultiSorter. This robot-controlled machine can process different pallet sizes and divide them into up to ten groups.

This makes the installation suitable for a wide pallet mix, including:

• Euro pallets;
• block pallets;
• industrial pallets;
• various CP pallets;
• special pallet sizes and other specials.

The MultiSorter picks each pallet from the conveyor and transports it to the selected stacking position. The pallet is then automatically added to the correct stack.

Repairing, sorting and stacking in one process

The strength of this installation lies in the direct connection between the repair stations, automatic stackers and MultiSorter. The pallets pass through one clear process:

1. Pallets requiring repair are transported to the workstations via side infeed conveyors.
2. The employee inspects and repairs the pallet.
3. The repaired pallet is placed on the central conveyor.
4. High-volume pallet types are sent directly to the automatic stackers.
5. Pallet types that justify further sorting are sent to the MultiSorter.
6. The pallets are automatically stacked in the correct group.

Because all activities take place within one continuous line, fewer manual pallet movements and forklift journeys are required. This shortens the processing time and creates a consistent workflow.

Fewer forklift movements on the production floor

The Pallet repair line with MultiSorter also makes the internal logistics more efficient. The forklift driver can place stacks of pallets requiring repair at the side infeed positions and remove the automatically completed stacks by group. Individual pallets no longer need to be transported by forklift between the repair, sorting and stacking positions. This reduces forklift traffic around employees and contributes to a safer and better-organised production environment.

Higher productivity per employee

Depending on the incoming pallet mix and the repairs required, one repair worker can inspect, repair and sort approximately 200 pallets per working day. Automatic discharge and sorting prevent valuable working time from being lost to searching for, moving and stacking pallets. The employee can therefore spend more time on the actual repair work.

The main benefits for Pallet Recycling ‘Het Noorden’ include:

• approximately 35% higher productivity per repair worker;
• fast processing of high-volume pallet types through the automatic stackers;
• further sorting into up to ten groups with the MultiSorter;
• fewer forklift movements around the workstations;
• shorter processing times;
• flexible processing of different pallet sizes;
• reduced physical strain on employees;
• a consistent and well-organised production flow.

More sustainable pallet use

By repairing damaged pallets efficiently and sorting them into the correct groups, more pallets can be returned to service. This extends their useful life and reduces both timber consumption and waste. The combination of repair and automatic sorting therefore provides economic benefits while also supporting more sustainable use of timber and raw materials.

Flexible and modular PSS solution

The installation at Pallet Recycling ‘Het Noorden’ demonstrates how a pallet repair line, automatic stackers and a MultiSorter can reinforce one another. Repair workers operate from ergonomic workstations, high-volume pallet types are stacked quickly and the remaining valuable pallet types are sorted further by the MultiSorter. Thanks to its modular design, the installation can be adapted to different pallet flows and future changes in capacity or sorting requirements. Pallet Sorting Systems is proud of its cooperation with Pallet Recycling ‘Het Noorden’ B.V. and the completion of this efficient, ergonomic and future-oriented installation.

Would you like to learn more about automatic pallet repair, sorting and stacking? Explore the possibilities of our Pallet MultiSorter and pallet repair lines.

Pallet Sorting Systems – Modular. Reliable. Efficient.