ROYAL Mail has installed a new high-speed Parcel Sortation Machine (PSM) at its Plymouth Mail Centre.

The new machine was unveiled by Rebecca Smith, the MP for South West Devon.

The Mail Centre, which covers the entire PL postcode area across west Devon and east Cornwall, processes an average of 7,000 parcels an hour. The new Parcel Sortation Machine will increase the Plymouth centre’s processing capabilities by 9,000 parcels per hour.

A PSM is an intelligent system of conveyor belts and scanning technology that automatically sorts parcels quicker than manual sorting.

Alison Clace, Plymouth Mail Centre plant manager, Royal Mail, said: “Our new Parcel Sortation Machine has arrived at the perfect time! Not only will this speed up our operation over our Christmas peak period, it’s a great opportunity for our staff in Plymouth to learn new skills.”

Neil Chaplain, engineering and process design director, Royal Mail, added: “Royal Mail’s ongoing investment in automation is helping us to modernise and significantly improve efficiency. The rollout of these new PSMs will help us to meet the increasing consumer demand for next-day parcel delivery and will help contribute to our efforts to provide a consistently reliable service.”