The UK-based brewer SABMiller is planning to begin production of its leading international brand Pilsner Urquell in Russia.

Reports in the Russian press today say that the company has finished mounting equipment worth US$2m for new production lines at its Kaluga brewery.

A spokesman for SABMiller confirmed to just-drinks that the company was planning to make the move, but he could not give any time scales on when a launch might happen.

At present, Pilsner Urquell is imported from the Czech Republic.