Mettler-Toledo’s ‘Test Before You Invest’ program

With operational costs rising and production line efficiency under pressure, manufacturers need to be confident that any new equipment investment will deliver value. To better help manufacturers Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection is launching its ‘Test Before You Invest’ program – a global service designed to help food, pharmaceutical, 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 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 allows businesses to evaluate how product inspection equipment will perform in their specific application and production environment, removing guesswork and helping to avoid costly mistakes. 

Whether the goal is to improve quality control, reduce waste, validate contaminant detection, or minimize false rejects, the Test Before You Invest program helps manufacturers find the most suitable inspection solution with confidence. 

A Global, Flexible Approach to Testing 

The Test Before You Invest program is designed around how manufacturers prefer to trial and understand inspection equipment – providing multiple ways to explore and validate solutions, step by step. 

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 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 centers 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 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 Mettler-Toledo engineers demonstrate the testing process live via video link. 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. 

For applications where validation in a live production environment is essential, manufacturers may then opt for the rental program. This allows them to install a fully operational system on their line for a set period, giving them full visibility of performance in real conditions – and complete confidence in their purchasing decision.  

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. The ability to compare multiple system configurations or technologies side-by-side 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. 

Validating Performance On-Site with Rental Equipment 

In many cases, manufacturers benefit from validating a system directly in their facility. For these scenarios, Mettler-Toledo offers short-term rental equipment as part of the Test Before You Invest program. This allows companies 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 their local Mettler-Toledo representative to explore testing and rental options tailored to their region. 

Christine Gottschalk, head of PI Test and Demo Center, Mettler-Toledo Garvens GmbH 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”. 

She continued, “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”.