Abstract: A running web of sheet material (2) is wound onto a roll (8). An empty core (30) is arranged at a transfer position to receive the web when the roll (8) is completed. A wrap roller (20) is moved so as to draw the web upstream of the core (30) around a portion of the circumference of the core. A head assembly (40) of a cross-cut mechanism then advances, wrapping the web upstream of the core (30) around the core. A spring loaded blade (52) is then advanced so as to cut the web and to force the end of the web into the inrunning nip between the wrap roller and the core. The head assembly and the wrap roller are then withdrawn to their standby positions and the core (30) moved from the transfer position to a running position while the completed roll (8) is unloaded.