An apparatus for straightening cell-forming partitions within a carton or the like is provided by a mandrel in a partition straightening station having cones disposed thereon which project towards the open top of the carton. The mandrel is moved towards the carton and the cones enter the carton; at least one of the cones is longer than the other cones and is adapted to enter an inner cell formed by the partition; the shorter cones then enter the outermost cells formed by the partition. The partitions are thus aligned to receive products in the cells formed thereby.