a method and an apparatus for handling inserts to be placed into a plurality of cavities of a mold of a plastic material injection molding machine are disclosed . the plurality of inserts comprises at least one first insert having a first position and a first orientation when placed into an associated first cavity in the mold , and at least one second insert having a second position and a second orientation when placed into an associated second cavity in the mold . the inserts are assembled into a group of inserts where they are arranged to have a position and an orientation relative to each other corresponding to the positions and orientations within the mold . the inserts are then placed from the group of inserts into the cavity .