THE FASTEST bottling line in Northern Europe will be officially opened next week at Whitbread's giant Samlesbury brewery.

Unveiling of the £12million line, which can handle 100,000 bottles an hour, comes as speculation over the future of the Whitbread Beer Company continues.

If Whitbread's bid for Allied's chain of more than 3,000 pubs is successful it will have to sell or float off its brewing arm.

Samlesbury is responsible for more than 50 per cent of the Whitbread Beer Company brewing arm which handles brands including Boddingtons, Murphys and Stella Artois.

The new packing line operates round the clock, seven days a week with four crews of eight technicians each working 12 hour shifts.

Staff underwent two months' training before the line began operating.

"We are proud to be at the forefront of technology with the new bottling and packaging line," said Whitbread Beer Company's managing director Miles Templeman.

"This reinforces Whitbread's commitment to Samlesbury and its progressive and innovative approach."

Mr Templeman will officially open the new line at a ceremony at the brewery next Thursday.

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