Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a forming, filling and sealing machine (2) for producing bags (1) from semifinished products (5) and for filling and closing the same, said machines comprising a plurality of processing stations (4, 7, 9, 12). At least two processing stations (4, 7, 9, 12) of at least one first group (3) are successively, largely linearly, arranged in the horizontal plane (x, z) in the transport direction (z) of the bags (1). The bags (1) or semifinished products (5) can be transported between the processing stations (4, 7, 9, 12) by transport means which generally comprise grip means (10, 11, 21, 22). The invention is characterised in that at least one second group (20) of at least one processing station is not linearly arranged behind the first group (3) in the horizontal plane (x, z) in the processing direction (z) of the bags (1).