Abstract: An apparatus for winding tape includes a cantilevered support arm for supporting in a winding position a core onto which the tape is to be wound with a surface drive roller pivotal to a position engaging the outside of the package for causing rotation of the package in the driving position about a longitudinal axis of the arm. A lay-on roller directs the tape on to the core such that the rotation of the core acts to wind the tape into the package. The lay-on roller is driven by a lead screw in movement longitudinally of the axis to form a generally cylindrical package structure of the tape. With the lay-on roller in a retracted position to one side, the finished package on the support arm is moved by a rotatable drive head rotating about a vertical axis from the winding position away from the drive roller to a doffing position and simultaneously an empty core is moved from the doffing position over the drive roller to the winding position.