The global supplier of precision instruments and inspection services, Mettler-Toledo, has outlined plans to strengthen its product inspection services in response to increasing audit intensity, retail scrutiny and operational pressure.
The company provides services to food, packaging and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the UK.
With regulatory and retailer expectations becoming more detailed and evidence-driven, manufacturers are now being asked to both install inspection systems, as well as provide evidence on how those systems are managed, monitored and supported with time.
In response to these changing expectations, Mettler-Toledo has said that it is now emphasising a joined-up approach that brings together inspection technology, data visibility and local service expertise to support consistent performance across production lines and sites.
"Compliance is becoming far more forensic," said Michael Pipe, Head of Product Inspection for the UK and Ireland at Mettler-Toledo.
"Auditors and retailers want to see how inspection is managed day to day, how issues are identified and resolved and how evidence is captured and presented. That is driving much closer alignment between inspection technology, data and service support."
"Manufacturers are looking for partners who understand their processes and can help them build inspection strategies that work in the real world, not just on paper."
Why this matters
Retailer codes of practice, global standards and regulatory frameworks all exert continued pressure on food, packaging and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
These companies must also have a sustained focus on cost control, labour efficiency and productivity.
Audits are increasingly assessing whole line performance rather than individual machines, with greater emphasis on traceability, consistency and documentation.
Thus, inspection is no longer viewed purely as a final checkpoint, but as part of a wider quality and compliance ecosystem that supports operational visibility and informed decision-making across production environments.
In response to these market conditions, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on inspection solutions that combine robust detection of physical contaminants with clearer insight into performance.
Connected inspection systems and digital quality management tools are increasingly being used to automate record keeping, simplify audit preparation and provide faster access to meaningful data across production lines.
In practical terms, this response means supporting manufacturers with inspection solutions that operate as part of a wider production system rather than in isolation.
By combining checkweighing, metal detection, vision and X-ray inspection with integrated data management, manufacturers can gain clearer visibility of inspection performance across lines, reduce manual intervention and present consistent evidence during audits.
Solutions are configured around application requirements, line speeds and production environments, helping inspection processes remain aligned with operational and compliance needs as production demands evolve.
As inspection strategies become more connected, service and technical support are playing an increasingly central role in maintaining performance.
In the UK and Ireland, Mettler-Toledo provides regional service coverage through a nationwide team of service professionals supporting industrial and product inspection environments.
The company's engineers are home-based within their regions, enabling rapid response and close customer relationships.
Preventive maintenance, performance verification and spare parts support help manufacturers maintain uptime and protect inspection performance during the full equipment lifecycle, particularly as many sites look to extend the value of existing equipment while managing operational pressures.
Alongside its day-to-day customer support, Mettler-Toledo has said that it will continue to help educate manufacturers about product safety through industry events, technical webinars and on-site demonstrations.
This includes participation at BRCGS Connect, from 12-13 February, where inspection specialists will share practical insight into inspection best practice, as well as a UK demonstration van tour taking place from 16 to 27 March.
During the tour, manufacturers can book on-site visits to see a range of inspection technologies demonstrated in a production-focused environment.
The UK and Ireland Product Inspection team consists of five regional specialists covering the North East, North West, South East, South West and Ireland and Northern Ireland, working alongside Michael Pipe.
Together, the team brings decades of combined experience across food, packaging and pharmaceutical applications. They work closely with technical application consultants and UK-based manufacturing and competence centres, enabling hands-on testing, demonstrations and project support tailored to customer requirements.
This integrated approach supports both local manufacturers and multinational organisations operating across multiple sites.
Looking ahead, Mettler-Toledo expects manufacturers to continue balancing regulatory pressure with efficiency and cost objectives. The company has said that it remains focused on supporting customers through consultative expertise, robust inspection technologies, connected data solutions and responsive local service.