MSS celebrates its 50th anniversary

MSS has marked its 50th anniversary. MSS was founded in 1973 by Dr. Garry Kenny and Dr. Edward Sommer. Since then it has evolved from a small product line serving specialized metal sorting applications to a renowned provider of near-infrared (NIR), colour, metal, and artificial intelligence (AI) based optical sorting technologies.

In 1991, MSS introduced the BottleSort, a machine capable of sorting post-consumer plastic containers by type and colour. MSS says that developing subsequent generations, such as the Binary BottleSort and the CIRRUS advanced NIR sorters, has showcased MSS's commitment to increased throughput, flexibility, and sensor resolution.

MSS's experience extends to the sorting of flexible materials, particularly paper and plastic film, where the company has developed air-assist systems for almost 25 years. The latest generation, the FiberMax, offers high sensor resolution and is joined by the PlasticMax, FilmMax, and eMax machines.

Meeting the demands of e-scrap and metal scrap recyclers, MSS introduced the L-VIS line-scan camera technology in 2010, which it then updated to the L-VIS units in 2019. The MetalMiner, the third-generation induction-based sorting technology, succeeded earlier technologies like the MetalSort and ELPAC.

To accommodate the growing demand for its technology, MSS relocated to a larger manufacturing plant, expanding from 26,000 square feet to 46,000 square foot facility in 2015. Further expansion plans include a move to an even larger facility in Nashville, T.N., by 2025.

"For 50 years, MSS has been fortunate to have hard-working, dedicated, and innovative individuals as the foundation of our success," says Greg Thibado, vice president of MSS. "As technology and market conditions evolve, our people remain constant, ensuring a bright and prosperous future."