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Our history

How it all started…

In 2017, the foundation of Optimum Sorting’s success story was laid in Hasselt, Belgium. The two founders – Paul Berghmans and Steve Raskin – already had considerable experience in the world of optical sorting technology. With the acquisition of the Dutch company Concept Engineers (Eindhoven), they introduced a new player to the market, aiming to set a progressive standard in camera sorting, laser detection, and customer service. Optimum Sorting was born, ready to embrace the future!

In 2024, Optimum Sorting generated a turnover exceeding €25 million and employed over 100 people across its various branches in Europe, Asia, and America.

New machines, new possibilities

Optimum Sorting’s engineers quickly showed their drive for innovation. In 2018, they launched the Ventus, the pioneering laser sorter featuring 16 lasers. By 2020, they had developed the Novus, the market’s widest belt sorter, designed for a broad spectrum of applications.

Early efforts were centered around the inspection and sorting of food products, including potatoes and vegetables. However, since 2021, new applications have been explored, including tobacco, candy, pet food, minerals, and recycling, which have all achieved excellent results.

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A global leap forward

Optimum Sorting rapidly advanced its international expansion. Recognizing the importance of the American market from the outset, the company strategically opened a branch in centrally located Denver, Colorado. In 2022, a second location and demo center was established in sunny California. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Optimum Sorting extended its reach in Asia with a new hub in Thailand.

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Innovation leads the way

Innovation and growth are the driving forces behind the daily operations at Optimum Sorting. To accomplish this, we work closely with esteemed experts, universities, and research institutions worldwide. Recent groundbreaking innovations introduced to the optical sorting market include:

  • 2019: launch of AflaSort, our detection technology that effectively identifies traces of harmful aflatoxins.
  • 2022: release of Magnus, Optimum Sorting’s all-in-one machine designed to sort delicate fruits like no other.
  • 2023: introduction of our TDA technology (Topological Data Analysis), specifically developed to improve the sorting of nuts and various other products.
  • 2025: development of UV-LIF (light induced fluorescence) laser sorting, enabling more efficient lithium extraction in the mining industry.
Check out our latest innovations

Sorting smarter.

Wasting less.

Shaping tomorrow.

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Safe on the road with Optimum Sorting

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Optimum Sorting makes its debut in the VKW TOP 500

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Flemish ‘Exporter of the Year’ Award goes to Optimum Sorting

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Optimum Sorting launches patented mining technology

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AflaSort: our innovative solution for aflatoxin detection

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