Pallet production line

The market for transport packaging is seeing many changes. Leading multinationals have already decided to replace wooden pallets for ecological reasons and trends in pallets are now definitely towards plastic. Some 850 million pallets are produced annually worldwide, of which currently only around 3% are made of plastic. They are used in many different industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and electronics, for temperature sensitive and high quality products, and airfreight.

Following almost two years' development work, the first fully automatic HIRSCH pallet manufacturing line is ready for volume production since summer 2008. From now on completely jacketed polystyrene pallets (e.g. in EuroPallet size of 1200x800x150 mm) weighing max. 10 kg can be manufactured at headquarters in Glanegg. This pallet generation can be used as a four-way entry pallet (i.e. the pallet accepts all material handling equipment models from all sides) for loads of up to 1,000 kg or as a two-way pallet (access from two sides) for high bay racking with lower loads.

To expand the possible applications for this unique production technology, the prototype of a four-way pallet with closed top deck and rack capability of up to 1,000 kg has also been developed. Volume production readiness should be reached in the coming months.

All HIRSCH pallets are made entirely of polystyrene and can therefore be easily and 100% recycled. Compared with products with similar performance parameters, HIRSCH pallets' low weight can save over 50% in weight, which not only results in a range of benefits but also reduces freight and handling costs in particular. 

A HIRSCH pallet manufacturing facility has a capacity of 100,000 to 300,000 pallets/year, depending on the pallet type.

Innovation- and Research Award of Carinthia 2008

In the category "big company" our development team could achieve the 3rd place of the Innovation- and Research Award of the region Carinthia 2008 with the fully automatic pallet production line.