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 Test Before You Invest 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 product samples to Mettler-Toledo’s facility in Lutz, Florida for detailed testing under controlled conditions. Line speed, product temperature, packaging type, and other critical variables can be simulated to replicate real-world environments, demonstrating how inspection technology would perform under actual production demands.

Detailed Reports Drive Data-Backed Decisions

Each test concludes with a detailed, tailored 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—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.  

Rental Program

For applications where validation in a live production environment is essential, manufacturers may opt for the rental program, which allows manufacturers to install a fully operational system on their own line for a set period. This full visibility of performance in real conditions can drive confidence in purchasing decisions. 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, facing capacity constraints, or when launching new product lines.

E-Demos

Manufacturers can also participate in an interactive remote session where Mettler-Toledo engineers demonstrate the testing process live via video. These sessions include real-time insights and 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.

Demonstration Bus

Fully equipped with inspection technologies, Mettler-Toledo’s mobile showroom allows manufacturers to see the systems up close at their own facilities. Teams ranging 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 lines.

Beyond the Test: Ongoing Consultation and Digital Readiness

One of the standout features of the Test Before You Invest 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. This includes solutions like ProdX—Mettler-Toledo’s data management software that enables real-time monitoring, centralized performance tracking, and simplified compliance documentation across product inspection devices. With access to both physical testing and digital expertise, manufacturers gain a clear, informed pathway to operational improvement.