Abstract: A system for facilitating a clean-in-place operation of a filling station of a packaging machine is set forth. The system comprises a fill pipe assembly having a discharge end through which the liquid product may flow into a container disposed therebelow during a production cycle of the machine. A clean-in-place manifold is provided and is adapted to engage and seal with the discharge end of the fill pipe during the clean-in-place operation. A lift mechanism is utilized in a dual function role. The lift mechanism is operated during a container-filling cycle to lift and lower a container toward and away from the discharge end of the fill pipe assembly for filling with product and is operated during the clean-in-place operation to engage the clean-in-place manifold and to secure the clean-in-place manifold in engagement with the discharge end of the fill pipe assembly.