A fully automated parcel sorting machine which can process 180,000 parcels per day has been installed by Royal Mail in its Tynside Mail centre.

The machine consists of an system of conveyor belts and scanning technology which automatically sorts parcels so that they are ready for dispatch within Royal Mail’s network.

The machine uses its 200 sorting trays to process up to 10,000 parcels per hour to local mail centres across the country.

Built by automated technology company Bowe Group, the parcel sorting machine – which is about the same length as six double-decker buses – can handle a variety of parcel shapes and sizes weighing up to 31kg.

Royal Mail has invested in large scale automation to remove some of the manual pressures on its workforce, in response to a growing demand for online retail.

Achim Dunnwald, Chief Operating Officer, Royal Mail, said: “We are transforming the way Royal Mail processes parcels which are rapidly growing in popularity thanks to the boom in e-commerce and new online shopping trends accelerated by the pandemic. Our investment in state-of the-art parcel sorting machines and automated technology enables us to compete more effectively for business and meet the demands of our customers, while helping to secure quality jobs for the future of Royal Mail.”

Ian Mearns, MP for Gateshead, said: “I’m very honoured to have been asked to unveil this new state-of-the-art machinery for Royal Mail at the major Tyneside depot in my Gateshead constituency. It will undoubtedly enhance Royal Mail’s capacity to respond to the demands of business customers and domestic customers alike and help facilitate the ever growing demands for a universal parcel service that only Royal Mail can provide.”