With operational costs rising and production line efficiency under pressure, manufacturers need to be confident that any new equipment investment will deliver value. Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection’s Test Before You Invest program is designed to help food and packaging manufacturers make informed product inspection choices through hands-on testing, real performance data and expert support. Rather than relying on theoretical specifications or off-the-shelf recommendations, the program allows manufacturers to test checkweighers, metal detectors, X-ray systems and vision inspection machines using their own product samples before committing to a purchase. Manufacturers can send in product samples to the facility in Lutz, Fla., 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 determine how the inspection technology would perform under actual production demands.

Application Test Center

Each test concludes with a tailored report compiled by the Mettler-Toledo product inspection specialists. These reports provide 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 – checkweighing, metal detection, X-ray or vision inspection – is most suitable for their needs. It also provides clear justification for internal stakeholders when making capital investment decisions. 

The ability to compare multiple system configurations or technologies side by side further supports smarter, faster decision-making.

Rental program

For applications where validation in a live production environment is essential, manufacturers may opt for the rental program. 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. 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.

E-demos

Manufacturers can participate in an interactive remote session where Mettler-Toledo engineers demonstrate the testing process live via video link. These sessions include real-time insights, technical walkthroughs and are followed up with a sensitivity and performance report.

Demonstration bus

Fully equipped with inspection technologies, the Mettler-Toledo mobile showroom allows 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.

One of the standout features of the program 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. With access to both physical testing and digital expertise, manufacturers get more than just a yes-or-no answer - they get a clear, informed pathway to operational improvement.

­­Tom Koshy, national sales manager, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection said, “As manufacturers face changing market demands, budget pressures and increasingly complex production environments, the Test Before You Invest program provides a smart, low-risk route to better decision-making. Whether supporting urgent line upgrades, navigating approval delays or managing new product introductions, the program helps manufacturers act with clarity and confidence ... By identifying the right inspection system up front - and validating it through practical testing - manufacturers can reduce disruption, improve throughput and maximize return on investment.”

Source: Mettler-Toledo