Mettler-Toledo launches “Test before you invest” programme
Image: Mettler-Toledo
Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection is offering a Test Before You Invest programme, which is a global service for food, pharmaceutical and packaging manufacturers, to help them make informed product inspection choices through hands-on testing, real performance data and expert support, the company says.
Rather than relying on theoretical specifications or off-the-shelf recommendations, the programme allows manufacturers to trial checkweighers, metal detectors, x-ray systems and vision inspection machines using their own product samples – before committing to a purchase. This gives businesses the opportunity to evaluate how product inspection equipment will perform in their specific application and production environment, removing guesswork and helping to avoid mistakes.
Whether the goal is to improve quality control, reduce waste, validate contaminant detection or minimise false rejects, the programme aims to help manufacturers find the most suitable inspection solution with confidence. It is designed around how manufacturers prefer to trial and understand inspection equipment, providing multiple ways to explore and validate solutions, according to the company.
It often begins with a visit from one of the Mettler-Toledo demo vans. Fully equipped with inspection technologies, these mobile showrooms allow manufacturers to see the systems up close at their own facility. Teams from operations, production, quality, procurement and management can all get hands-on time with the equipment, ask questions and begin evaluating the right fit for their line.
From there, many customers progress to testing their products at one of the Mettler-Toledo global product inspection support centres, located in the US, Spain, Malaysia and China. These centres allow manufacturers to send in product samples for detailed testing under controlled conditions. Line speed, product temperature, packaging type and other critical variables can be simulated to replicate real-world environments, helping to determine how the inspection technology would perform under actual production demands.
Manufacturers can then participate in an eDemo, which is an interactive remote session where engineers demonstrate the testing process live via video link. These sessions include real-time insights, technical walkthroughs and are followed up with a detailed sensitivity and performance report, enabling manufacturers to make evidence-based decisions from anywhere in the world.
For applications where validation in a live production environment is essential, manufacturers may then opt for the rental programme. This allows them to install a fully operational system on their own line for a set period, giving them full visibility of performance in real conditions, and complete confidence in their purchasing decision.
Each test concludes with a detailed report compiled by the Mettler-Toledo product inspection specialists. These reports provide valuable performance data such as achievable detection sensitivity, weighing accuracy, probability of detection and any production-specific factors that may influence system performance.
This objective insight helps manufacturers identify which technology is most suitable for their needs. It also provides justification for internal stakeholders when making capital investment decisions. The ability to compare multiple system configurations or technologies side-by-side to help further supports smarter, faster decision-making.
Rather than making assumptions, manufacturers are empowered to invest based on real-world results that reflect their product, process and production line challenges.
In many cases, manufacturers benefit from validating a system directly in their own facility. For these scenarios, Mettler-Toledo offers short-term rental equipment as part of the programme. This gives companies the opportunity to install a machine on their line temporarily and observe how it performs under actual production conditions.
Whether dealing with temperature-sensitive goods, varying pack sizes or specific contaminant detection challenges, on-site trials offer an extra layer of assurance. This is especially valuable when speed is critical – for example, during equipment failure, capacity constraints or when launching new product lines.
Rental machines are currently available across Europe and the US. Manufacturers in Asia and Australia are encouraged to contact local Mettler-Toledo representatives to explore testing and rental options tailored to their region.
An example from the field highlight the practical value of the programme. A dairy manufacturer working with bulk bags of powdered product trialled and then rented a metal detection system tailored to their product size and layout. With access to detailed drawings and strong technical support, it selected a Mettler-Toledo system over a lower-cost competitor, citing reliability, speed and future readiness as key drivers.
One of the standout features of the programme is the level of direct expert support it offers. After testing is complete, manufacturers can speak directly with Mettler-Toledo engineers to discuss the results in detail, ask questions about integration and explore additional tools that can support performance in the long term.
This includes solutions such as ProdX, the Mettler-Toledo data management software that enables real-time monitoring, centralised performance tracking and simplified compliance documentation across product inspection devices. For food manufacturers focused on digital transformation or audit readiness, integrating software like ProdX can help drive greater efficiency, accountability and visibility across the line.
Christine Gottschalk, head of the PI test and demo centre at Mettler-Toledo Garvens said, “As manufacturers face changing market demands, budget pressures and increasingly complex production environments, the Test Before You Invest programme provides a smart, low-risk route to better decision-making. Whether supporting urgent line upgrades, navigating approval delays or managing new product introductions, the programme helps manufacturers act with clarity and confidence”.
She continued, “By identifying the right inspection system up front, and validating it through practical testing – manufacturers can reduce disruption, improve throughput and maximise return on investment”.
To find out more visit www.mt.com/pi-testbeforeinvest-pr
