Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging apparatus for gripping, lifting, and then moving a plurality of individual products from a first location to a second location. The apparatus includes first and second plates and a plurality of individual grippers that are each selectively actuated to grip a single product and to release the product at a preselected time. Each gripper includes a plurality of slots extending upwardly from the base of each gripper, thereby providing a plurality of gripper fingers. Each gripper extends through an appropriately configured hole in the second plate into a fixed engagement with the first plate. The second plate is movably mounted to the first plate such that it can be moved relatively thereto. The holes in the second plate are sized to engage the gripper fingers when moved apart from the first plate.