A method and device (110) for turning a continuous supply (100) of absorbent cores (28) oriented in cross machine direction into a machine direction orientation and dividing the supply (100) of absorbent cores into two or more sub-lines (120a, 120b) is provided.The device comprises a plurality of turning plates (150) which each comprises means (170) for picking up, holding and releasing the absorbent cores, means (200) for reversibly transferring the turning plates from a core pick-up point (P) to a core release point (R), each of said turning plate (150) being mounted rotationally on an axis (160), so that the absorbent cores can be re-oriented from a cross-machine direction at the pick-up point (P) into machine direction at the release point (R) whilst being held on the turning plates. Each turning plate comprises means (170) for picking up, holding and releasing two or more absorbent cores.