Ongoing rapid growth in e-commerce volumes, shorter product lifecycles, and rising customer expectations are putting unprecedented pressure on Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) companies’ material handling systems, writes Hilton Campbell, UK MD at Interroll.
Every day, millions of items of varying sizes must be processed with minimal downtime. Retailers and manufacturers must respond to ‘omnichannel’ demands while optimising space and costs.
Interroll, as a global provider of material-handling solutions, is supporting this sharp acceleration in logistics complexity by delivering sortation systems that are modular, adaptable, and built for long-term performance.
Our comprehensive portfolio covers applications from entry-level e-commerce fulfilment to heavy-duty industrial sorting, empowering operators to respond quickly to changing throughput and layout requirements.
Modularity is at the heart of our approach, and we have developed an integrated ecosystem for material handling to make customers’ processes easier, faster and more reliable.
This ensures that new or expanding facilities can adjust capacity or layout with minimal downtime, maintaining operational continuity even as volumes increase or item profiles evolve.
The Modular Conveyor Platform (MCP) with High-Performance Diverts exemplifies this modular principle. Operating at speeds up to 1.4 m/s and supporting loads up to 50 kg/m, MCP enables quiet, efficient transport and intelligent material flow. Its plug-and-play design simplifies installation and enhances commissioning speed, while the MCP Play option further reduces programming effort for faster project ramp-up.
With the intelligent, decentralised control and commissioning solution, conveyor systems are planned and commissioned using layout and flow configuration instead of classic PLC programming with zone-based conveying.
Plants can be implemented more easily and quickly, throughput can be significantly increased and energy consumption and IT complexity can be reduced at the same time. This makes it particularly suited to dynamic environments where adaptability is as important as speed. This is impressively proven by the first customer projects.
Scalable technologies for diverse industries
Different industries require flexible sortation solutions that balance throughput, accuracy and durability across a range of applications.
The Interroll Sortteq Modular ChainBelt Sorter (MCS) handles medium-to-high throughput of up to 8,000 items per hour. Its compact design and gentle handling make it suitable for cartons, totes and irregular packages, with low maintenance supporting reliable operation.
For higher performance, the MultiBelt Switch (MBS) delivers up to 10,000 items per hour. It uses synchronised narrow belts to divert items smoothly without interrupting flow, with integrated controls and compatibility with the High-Performance Conveyor Platform (HPP) enabling efficient, low-energy operation.
In high-density environments, the Split Tray Sorter (MT-S) processes up to 21,600 items per hour. Its dual-tray design ensures accurate discharge, while modularity supports scalable layouts for e-commerce operations.
The MX V Vertical Crossbelt Sorter manages up to 14,000 items per hour within a compact vertical loop, optimising space while handling lighter, irregular items.
For maximum throughput, the MX H Horizontal Crossbelt Sorter reaches 20,000 items per hour and handles loads up to 50 kg, with a low-maintenance drive system designed for demanding operations.
Interroll’s Sorter Control Systems and MDP (Machine Data Platform) enable precise control, system integration and stable, energy-efficient performance, supported by full lifecycle services.
The future of sortation
As supply chains become smarter and more connected, the demand for data-centric, energy-efficient sorting will continue to grow. Interroll’s ongoing research into modular mechatronics and digital connectivity reflects this trend, promising next-generation systems that combine mechanical precision with intelligent control and predictive insights.
From compact vertical sorters to high-speed horizontal solutions, Interroll’s sortation portfolio demonstrates a clear philosophy: flexibility without compromise. In an industry defined by constant movement, scalable modularity and proven reliability are the cornerstones that keep materials – and businesses – flowing efficiently.
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