Now Available — Retrofit Upgrade – The LMS is ready to improve your productivity.
Table of Contents
The Problem With Mechanical Switching
Most shoe sorters in operation today rely on a mechanical switching mechanism that was designed for a different era of distribution — one where throughput demands were lower, maintenance windows were longer, and downtime was more forgiving. That era is over.
Mechanical diverters are subject to constant wear. Every cycle puts friction on moving parts. Over time, that means more frequent part replacements, harder-to-predict failures, and maintenance that happens on the sorter’s schedule rather than yours. In high-velocity distribution and fulfillment environments, that’s not a manageable trade-off — it’s a liability.
The good news: replacing the entire sorter isn’t the only path forward.
The Solution: LMS Gen 4 Electromagnetic Switch Upgrade
The LMS Gen 4 (V4) from LaFayette Engineering — integrated and supported by Century Conveyor — is a direct retrofit upgrade engineered to replace your existing switch mechanism with a fully electromagnetic system. It installs into your current sorter and brings next-generation diverting performance without requiring a new conveyor investment.
Rather than relying on moving mechanical components to actuate each divert, the Gen 4 drives every switch electromagnetically — delivering precise, consistent, and controllable actuation on every single cycle. The result is a fundamentally more reliable system with a measurably longer service life.
What the Gen 4 LMS Delivers
⚡ 725 FPM Divert Speed — Capable of diverting every other shoe at 725 FPM, built for the throughput demands of today’s most high-velocity distribution and fulfillment operations.
📈 Longer Operational Lifespan — Electromagnetic diverting eliminates moving parts entirely, dramatically reducing wear and tear to extend the operational lifespan of your sorting system.
🔧 Planned Maintenance — The LMS lets you plan maintenance around your downtime schedule, not the other way around. Shift from reactive repairs to predictable, scheduled service windows you control.
🌎 Multi-Environment Ready — Engineered to perform reliably in temperature-controlled, refrigerated, high-humidity, and specialty environments — including the rigorous demands of liquor distribution.
Why Retrofit Instead of Replace?
A full sorter replacement carries substantial capital cost, extended implementation timelines, and operational disruption during cutover. For many operations, the sorter itself isn’t the problem — the switching mechanism is. The Gen 4 LMS addresses the root cause directly.
By retrofitting electromagnetic switching technology into your existing infrastructure, you preserve the investment you’ve already made while bringing your diverting capability in line with where modern distribution operations need to be. It’s a targeted upgrade with a focused return: faster throughput, fewer surprises, and maintenance on your terms.
Whether you’re running a high-volume e-commerce fulfillment center, a temperature-sensitive food and beverage operation, or a multi-line parcel sortation facility, the Gen 4 is engineered to match the demands of your environment.
See Us at MODEX 2026
We’ll be on the floor in Atlanta to walk you through the LMS retrofit process, answer technical questions, and discuss what a Gen 4 upgrade looks like for your specific operation. No commitment — just a conversation worth having.
- Dates: April 13–16, 2026
- Location: Atlanta, GA — Georgia World Congress Center
- Booth: C14787
Want to set aside time with our team before the show? Availability fills quickly — reach out early and we’ll come prepared with an approach built around your operation.
Ready to Explore a Gen 4 Upgrade for Your Facility?
The Gen 4 LMS is available now as a retrofit upgrade for existing shoe sorters. Whether you’re planning ahead, dealing with rising maintenance costs on an older switch mechanism, or simply want to understand your options, Century Conveyor is ready to walk you through the details.
Can’t make it to the show? We’re available to walk you through upgrade options for your facility at your convenience. Schedule time with our team.
