As production environments become faster, more complex and more regulated, inspection is no longer just a compliance checkpoint. It is central to quality control, operational efficiency and brand protection. In this interview, Siddharth Kachroo, Head of Sales Product Inspection at Mettler-Toledo India Pvt Ltd, discusses how inspection technologies are adapting to modern manufacturing pressures, from advanced detection systems to connected digital quality management and sustainable design.
FreshnFrozen : What were the founding principles that shaped the Mettler-Toledo journey, and how do they influence your strategy in India?
Siddharth Kachroo : Mettler-Toledo was founded on the principle that accurate measurement underpins quality. If you cannot measure consistently, you cannot control outcomes. That belief still guides us. In India, manufacturing is scaling rapidly. Line speeds are increasing, export compliance is becoming more demanding, and compliance requirements are tighter than ever. Our strategy has therefore focused on strengthening technical capability and developing inspection solutions that perform reliably in high-volume, high-pressure environments. Growth here is not just about market presence. It is about delivering reliable performance that manufacturers can build their operations around.
FNF : How has your research-driven culture translated into practical solutions for Indian manufacturers?
SK : Research only has value if it solves real production problems. Take metal detection. Foods that have a high moisture and/or salt content (sometimes called “wet” products) such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, bakery and ready meals can interfere with traditional detection signals. These products can mimic metal contamination, often called the “product effect”, which can produce false triggers.
For that reason, we developed metal detection solutions that can improve signal stability and detection sensitivity in these challenging conditions while maintaining throughput. Manufacturers gain stronger contamination control without increasing false rejects or slowing production.
In x-ray inspection, we recognise that manufacturers are under increased pressure to save costs and reduce waste. To address this, we have developed a range of x-ray inspection systems to suit individual manufacturing needs. One of the latest solutions we have launched is for bulk food inspection, inspecting loose-flow or bulk product on a conveyor.
This can be technically demanding because product depth and density can vary greatly. Product waste was often an issue as with traditionally solutions, contaminated products were removed together with good products. The X3 Series of bulk flow inspection systems is able to detect contaminants as small as 0.3 – 0.4 mm, depending on application and contaminant material, preventing costly recalls and supporting compliance with global safety standards. Due to a variety of reject options, including a 30-nozzle air blast for pinpoint removal of contaminants in smaller products, or a 6-flap pusher reject for the removal of contamination in larger produce, product waste can be greatly reduced.
FNF : How do your latest inspection systems balance performance, integration and compliance?
SK : Today’s production lines demand sensitivity and speed at the same time. Our C35 dynamic checkweigher operates at speeds exceeding 800 packs per minute while maintaining precise weight control. That accuracy helps manufacturers reduce giveaway and meet net weight regulations without affecting throughput.
Inspection points are also becoming more integrated. Our CM and CX combination systems bring together intelligent checkweighing solutions with either metal detection or x-ray inspection within a single compact unit. In certain applications, vision inspection can also be incorporated, allowing contamination detection, weight verification and label inspection within one coordinated system. This reduces footprint and creates a more streamlined quality control strategy across the line.
FNF : How does customer feedback influence system development?
SK : As a global leader in precision instruments and inspection solutions, we work very closely with our customers to develop technological solutions and tools to solve their business problems.
To keep ahead of trends and to prepare for future regulations, we heavily invest in Research & Development to be able to design solutions to address industry pressures such as faster line speeds, hard-to-find contaminants and space constraints.
Under the theme “Inspect. Protect. Comply.” our solutions are designed to inspect every product with confidence, protect brands, productivity and profits, plus easily comply with regulations.
An example of our development approach is our Test Before You Invest programme. Customers can trial inspection systems at their own site using their own products and packaging formats before committing to full deployment.
These trials allow us to validate detection performance under real operating conditions and adjust configuration and sensitivity settings in advance. Variables such as product effect, packaging density or vibration impact can be assessed before installation. This gives production teams confidence in how the system will perform on their line. Ongoing dialogue with customers also helps us adapt to wider trends, including changes in packaging materials that can influence inspection behaviour.
FNF : With increasing demand for smart manufacturing, how is Mettler-Toledo supporting intelligent and connected inspection?
SK : Inspection is now part of a broader digital quality framework rather than a standalone checkpoint. Through ProdX™, our data management software, checkweighers, metal detectors and x-ray systems can be connected into a single centralised platform. ProdX™ captures inspection data in real time, replacing manual logs with secure digital documentation. This improves traceability, simplifies audit preparation and provides production managers with visibility of performance trends across multiple lines.
At the equipment level, AI-enabled algorithms are enhancing detection accuracy and reducing unnecessary rejects, particularly in complex product formats. The aim is not simply to automate inspection, but to create transparency and control across the process.
FNF : What strategic measures have helped you strengthen your service network and technical expertise across India?
SK : The Mettler-Toledo Service Team is a one-stop shop for all inspection device service needs. We have a global network of local engineers to provide manufacturers with expert care for the lifecycle of their technologies. From installation and initial calibration to preventative maintenance and upgrades, our Service Team helps manufacturing businesses to inspect each product with confidence, protect their brands and productivity, and confidently comply with regulations.
FNF : How does Mettler-Toledo integrate sustainability into its operations and product development?
SK : Sustainability is embedded both corporately and technically. In 2024, we maintained carbon-neutral operations for the fifth consecutive year and achieved 100 percent renewable electricity across global sites. Waste to landfill has been reduced by 74 percent, and we reached zero waste to landfill in 2025 through our GreenMT programme.
Across the business, Design for Environment principles guide product development. Packaging recyclability has increased to 90 percent, and several sites have significantly reduced plastic packaging by transitioning to recyclable materials. At the product level, accurate weight control reduces material waste and contamination detection lowers recall risk. Inspection therefore contributes not only to compliance, but also to more responsible resource use.
FNF : With India emerging as a major manufacturing hub, how do you see demand for inspection technologies developing in the coming years?
Sk : India’s growth presents significant opportunities, particularly in processed foods, dairy innovation and export-oriented manufacturing.
As production becomes more complex, the demand for reliable contamination detection, accurate weight control and integrated inspection strategies will continue to grow. Future development will focus on strengthening detection capability, enhancing connectivity and supporting manufacturers as regulatory expectations and production pressures increase. Inspection will increasingly move beyond just compliance and become a strategic contributor to productivity and quality performance.