Abstract: A machine for packing bottles and other containers in an underlying carton includes a packing station having a removable drop plate assembly for transferring the containers in groups from parallel side-by-side rows into desired packing positions in the carton. The drop plate assembly includes a plurality of drop bar assemblies disposed under and aligned with respective ones of the rows of containers. The drop bar assemblies each include a drive chain which frictionally engages the containers to advance the containers into predetermined pre-packing positions corresponding to the desired packing positions in the carton. After the containers have advanced to the pre-packing positions, the drop plate assembly is shifted so as to position the drop bar assemblies between the rows to allow the containers to fall into the underlying carton.