Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for the sequential handling of a series of flexible products which enables operation of the orbital packing fingers at lower speeds to reduce inertial loading and yet maintain a high output rate. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the packing fingers are operated at a rate of 1/X times the rate that flexible products are provided. Where X is the number of delivery points per lane of flexible products provided. The orbital packing fingers themselves are constructed to extend across substantially the entire width of the bags as they are stripped from a transfer drum and to decelerate the bags as they are stacked against a backstop.