Overview
Wilkin & Sons, the iconic UK preserves producer known for its Tiptree brand, was facing time‑consuming manual transfers between pallet types. To overcome this bottleneck, we recommended and provided the solution of a Toppy Falcon Wings Splitter – mobile pallet changer, a touch‑free system that uses foam‑aided clamping and stabilising wings to safely lift and separate loads without tipping or rotating, resulting in dramatically faster pallet exchanges, improved operator safety, strengthened hygiene compliance, and a smoother workflow across both inbound and outbound operations
The Challenge
Food safety standards prohibit wooden pallets from entering production areas due to risks such as splinters, nails and contamination. This created a major operational bottleneck.
The existing manual method of transferring goods between pallet types became increasingly unsustainable as demand grew. Operators were spending significant time lifting, shifting and restacking product – a task made more difficult by:
- Heavy and awkward frozen fruit boxes
- Tight production schedules
- The need to minimise exposure to fluctuating temperatures
- Strict hygiene standards requiring minimal manual contact
The business needed a faster, safer, fully compliant way to switch between wooden and plastic pallets – without slowing production.
Our Solution
To eliminate manual pallet transfer, we provided a Toppy Falcon Wings Splitter, which is a mobile pallet changer, providing a seamless and touch‑free exchange for both inbound and outbound goods.
Our Comprehensive Approach
- Mobile, fully self‑contained machine that can be moved anywhere onsite, making it ideal for facilities with evolving workflow needs.
- No tipping, no rotating, no inverting – ideal for food products, liquids and fragile items.
- Uses a combination of gentle foam-aided side‑press clamping, lifting function, and synchronised support “wings” to safely raise, stabilise and separate the load from its pallet – ensuring that even delicate or unstable goods remain secure throughout the exchange
The Outcome
The new system transformed how pallets are exchanged across both inbound and outbound workflows:
Efficiency Gains – The mechanised exchange system drastically reduced the time previously spent restacking products. Goods now move between pallet types in seconds rather than minutes, improving throughput across both inbound and outbound operations.
Improved Safety & Hygiene – Removing manual handling minimised strain, repetitive lifting and injury risk. Mechanisation also strengthened food‑safety compliance by eliminating human contact and reducing exposure to splinters, nails or dirty pallet surfaces.
Client Feedback
“Our operators have said that the machine is worth its weight in gold.”
– Wilkin & Sons Chief Engineer
Inspired by Wilkin & Sons Story?
Get in touch with us to start your journey towards increased efficiency.
Contact us:
📧 sales@northgroup.tech
📞 0345 017 9765