Abstract: A taping apparatus (10) is disclosed for applying a spaced array of transversely oriented material strips, such as in the form of plastic tapes (36), on each side of indexably advanced strip stock, such as in the form of a thin plastic film (12), during each dwell period of the latter, with corresponding tapes on opposite sides of the film being precisely aligned in pairs. The apparatus includes a film advancing assembly (13, 14, 16, 22, 24, 32), two mutually disposed tape applicator mechanisms (28, 29), a specially constructed platen assembly (26), mounted on a longitudinally disposed U-shaped support bed (27), and a control circuit (33). In order to provide the necessary solid backing for each of the tape applicator mechanisms (28, 29) when sequentially actuated, the platen assembly (26) includes a platen (90) formed with two longitudinally offset segments (91, 92) positioned at different elevations so as to define a film-receiving passageway (94) therebetween.