The company assumes bundled responsibility for the sorter business within the KNAPP group
Bielefeld, July 3, 2025 – With the new Push Tray Sorter, Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH (DFT) sets a milestone in automated sorting technology. The Bielefeld-based company, part of the KNAPP Group since 2010, is now assuming group-wide responsibility for the development and standardization of sorting systems for hanging and flat goods – and underlines this strategic reorientation with a technological innovation that sets standards.
Modular, efficient, future-proof: The new Push Tray Sorter
The new Push Tray Sorter from DFT is based on a fully modular concept that combines standardization, flexibility and speed. Pre-assembled plug-and-play modules, automated electrical design and an open API interface enable fast commissioning, simple integration and high scalability. A digital twin allows virtual testing even before installation – this reduces project runtimes and minimizes risks.
“With the new modular sorter system, we are creating a platform that can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements and can be produced economically at the same time,” explains Thomas Gebbert, Director Business Development at DFT. “This is a real game changer for sorting technology.”
DFT as group-wide competence center for sorting technology
As part of the strategic realignment, the KNAPP group is bundling its sorter expertise at the Bielefeld site. DFT assumes responsibility for the entire sorter portfolio with the horizontal and vertical Push Tray, the Split Tray and the Cross Belt Sorter – from development and control technology to integration into customer projects worldwide.
“Our customers are at the heart of every innovation. With the new Push Tray Sorter, we offer a solution that integrates seamlessly into existing processes, is flexibly scalable and guarantees maximum operational reliability,” says Dirk Bockelmann, CEO and Managing Director. “As DFT, we see it as our job to translate the individual requirements of our customers into future-proof systems.”
A strong signal for the market
The new sorter concept follows five principles: Standardization, quiet-running technology, pre-assembled modules, automated electrical design and simple integration. The concept is complemented by sustainable solutions such as energy-efficient drives and durable components. A condition monitoring center for proactive maintenance ensures maximum operational reliability and continuous improvement of production processes.
The sorter platform – a milestone for DFT
The strategic realignment is an important step for DFT to offer bundled expertise for sorting and sequencing technologies in intralogistics. The new development approach under which the Push Tray Sorter was created does not just focus on one product, but is part of a holistic approach to innovation – from development to sales and service.
Press contact
Beatrice Richert
Team Leader Marketing & Communication
M: +49 152 04260 293
beatrice.richert@duerkopp.com
About DFT (Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH)
DFT – Dürkopp Fördertechnik GmbH sets standards worldwide with its automation technology for overhead conveying and sorting systems. The Bielefeld-based company with 500+ employees first became known in 1954 as a department of the Bielefeld Dürkoppwerke. After being spun off as a separate GmbH in 1995, DFT was acquired by the KNAPP group of companies in 2010, where it complements the product portfolio with its various sorting and sequencing technologies. DFT thus improves the intralogistics processes of its customers in many applications such as store delivery, online ordering and returns management. Over 120 well-known brands worldwide rely on DFT’s technology and expertise to master their logistical challenges. DFT has successfully established more than 340 distribution centers worldwide and thus supports the efficient warehouse and shipping logistics of its customers.
