Abstract: A plate handling apparatus grips a group of vertically oriented stacks of plates that are being transported serially, lifts them out of the pockets they are being transported in, reduces the separation between them, moves them to a remote location and deposits them for further processing. In addition, the apparatus picks up the stacks in two groups that are 180.degree. opposed from one another with the stacks in one group being interposed with the stacks in the other group. The stacks of plates are engaged by gripping heads that employ paired cam elements carrying gripping fingers. The cam elements have two separate cam faces that permits them to be positively opened and closed by linear movement of a cam follower that fits between the cam elements and engages the cam faces. The set of cam faces used to open the fingers has a steeper ramp angle than the set used to close the fingers. Accordingly, the fingers are opened quicker than they are closed and a greater pressure is exerted upon closing.