MODEX 2026: Trew Expands Sortation Portfolio with TrewSort Swivel Wheel Sorter

Why It Matters

The sorter fills a gap between low‑cost conveyors and high‑speed sorters, giving midsize fulfillment centers a scalable, accurate solution that boosts throughput without costly upgrades. Its electric design and modular controls support tighter space constraints and higher uptime, crucial as e‑commerce volumes surge.

Key Takeaways

• TrewSort Swivel Wheel Sorter handles 45‑200 cartons per minute
• All‑electric design uses SmartRow tech for independent wheel control
• Supports single/dual 30°,45°,90° diverts at up to 400 ft/min
• Wheel Grip Technology reduces slippage, improves accuracy in mid‑rate sorting
• Debuts at MODEX 2026, targeting parcel, e‑commerce, retail, manufacturing

Pulse Analysis

The sortation equipment market has long been polarized between low‑cost, low‑speed conveyors and high‑speed, high‑price sorters. Mid‑rate solutions, which balance throughput and cost, are increasingly in demand as midsized fulfillment centers seek to scale without over‑investing in ultra‑fast technology. Trew’s entry with the Swivel Wheel Sorter addresses this niche, offering a flexible platform that can be integrated into existing material‑handling layouts while delivering performance that rivals higher‑priced alternatives.

At the heart of the Swivel Wheel Sorter is an all‑electric architecture powered by SmartRow technology. This system independently monitors and drives each row of divert wheels, allowing precise control over product flow even when items are tightly spaced. Coupled with the proprietary Wheel Grip coating, the sorter reduces wheel slippage, enhancing accuracy and minimizing tracking errors that often plague mid‑rate equipment. With a throughput range of 45‑200 cartons per minute and a maximum belt speed of 400 feet per minute, the machine can handle diverse carton, tote, and polybag sizes while supporting single‑ and dual‑sided 30°, 45°, and 90° diverts.

For e‑commerce and retail operators, the Swivel Wheel Sorter promises a cost‑effective upgrade path that improves order‑fulfillment speed and accuracy without demanding extensive floor space or complex maintenance regimes. Manufacturers can also leverage its flexibility to streamline internal logistics, reducing labor costs and increasing line reliability. As the industry pushes toward greater automation, Trew’s electric, modular approach positions it well against competitors reliant on hydraulic or hybrid systems, signaling a shift toward greener, more adaptable sortation solutions.