• Company name: Metop AB
• Industry: Industrial automation, quality control, metrology
• Founded: 1987 (as an independent company)
• Origins: Evolved from the inspection department of PLM (Plåt Manufaktur AB) during the 1970s
• Headquarters: Malmö, Sweden
• Primary market: Global metal packaging and canning industry
• Core business: Inspection equipment for beverage cans, food cans, can ends, and double seams [1]

METOP is a Swedish industrial technology brand specializing in quality control and inspection systems for the metal packaging industry. The company designs, manufactures, and supports precision measurement equipment used by beverage producers, food manufacturers, and can-making companies to inspect the quality and integrity of metal cans, lids, and double seams. The brand is recognized for its engineering expertise in can seam inspection and has customers in more than 100 countries through a global network of distributors and service partners. [1]

METOP’s roots date back to the 1970s, when it operated as the inspection department of PLM, one of Europe’s major metal packaging manufacturers. The department developed specialized measuring equipment for can production and quality assurance.

In 1987, the inspection division became an independent company under the name Metop AB, continuing its focus on precision inspection technology for the canning industry.

A significant milestone came in 2014, when Anders Wanner became owner of the company, initiating a period of modernization while maintaining METOP’s emphasis on Swedish engineering, product durability, and customer support. [3]

METOP develops a range of inspection and measurement systems used throughout the can manufacturing process.

Double Seam Inspection Systems

These systems verify the quality of the double seam that seals the can body and lid. Proper seam inspection is critical for preventing leaks, contamination, and product spoilage.

Features include:

• Automatic seam measurement
• X-ray seam analysis
• Digital imaging
• Statistical process control
• Production reporting software

Score Residual Microscopes

METOP is known for its Score Residual Microscopes, which measure the remaining thickness of easy-open can ends after scoring.

The company introduced one of the industry’s first autofocus score residual microscopes, improving measurement consistency while reducing operator error. [4]

Manual Measuring Equipment

METOP also manufactures:

• Thickness gauges
• Height gauges
• Hook measurement tools
• Calibration devices
• Laboratory inspection equipment

Automated Inspection Systems

Its advanced systems integrate:

• Robotics
• X-ray imaging
• Computer vision
• Digital quality management software

These solutions are designed for high-speed production lines in food and beverage manufacturing. [5]

METOP equipment is used in:

• Beverage can manufacturing
• Food can production
• Aluminum packaging
• Steel packaging
• Craft breweries
• Beverage filling plants
• Can end manufacturing

The company’s inspection technology supports quality control from raw can production through final packaging. [6]

METOP focuses on precision metrology for metal packaging. Its systems are designed to measure:

• Seam thickness
• Body hook
• Cover hook
• Seam width
• Countersink depth
• Residual score thickness
• Material thickness
• Can dimensions

Many systems integrate with production software for real-time monitoring and traceable quality records. [7]

The company has introduced several technologies that have become widely recognized in the can inspection industry, including:

• The Minidesk inspection gauge (introduced in 1998)
• The first autofocus score residual microscope
• Automated X-ray double seam inspection systems
• Integrated software platforms for production quality analysis

According to the company, some inspection microscopes have become so well known in the industry that operators informally refer to them simply as a “Metop.” [8]

METOP designs and manufactures its systems in-house in Sweden. The company states that controlling the complete manufacturing process allows it to maintain long product life, precise calibration, and reliable after-sales support. Some systems remain in industrial use for more than 20 years with ongoing maintenance and upgrades. [9]

METOP serves customers worldwide through an international network of distributors and technical partners. Its equipment is used by multinational beverage companies, food manufacturers, and packaging suppliers across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. [10]

Within the metal packaging industry, METOP is regarded as a specialist manufacturer of quality control equipment. The company’s products are recognized for:

• Precision measurement
• Long operational lifespan
• Swedish engineering
• In-house manufacturing
• Technical support
• High reliability in industrial environments

Its customer base includes major global beverage and food companies as well as smaller craft beverage producers. [11]

METOP’s mission is to help manufacturers ensure consistent packaging quality by providing accurate, repeatable, and reliable inspection systems that reduce waste, improve production efficiency, and maintain product safety throughout the canning process. [12]

1. About us
2. The Story of Metop – Metop
3. Contact the Metop team
4. Company – Metoform Tech
5. About Us – Metro Brands Ltd | Innovative and Quality Footwear and Accessories for Men , Women & Kids Since 1947
6. METOP Trademark of Metop Aktiebolag – Registration Number 5986888 – Serial Number 79259146 :: Justia Trademarks
7. METOP Trademark of Metop AB – Registration Number 5969824 – Serial Number 79255898 :: Justia Trademarks
8. Metop AB Trademarks Page 1 :: Justia Trademarks
9. Meto Home
10. THE HISTORY OF METO
11. Mettop GmbH | Innovative System Solutions