Abstract: The labeling machine comprises means for successively depositing separate labels with their face sides outwardly on a continuously rotating suction drum, means for imprinting the labels while on the drum comprising a printing cylinder rotating about a first axis at a peripheral speed equal to that of the drum, means supporting the printing cylinder for translatory movement relative to the drum about a second axis, means for moving the supporting means about the second axis to shift the printing cylinder relative to the drum, and vacuum operated means in commincation with the suction in the drum and operable to actuate the moving means to withdraw the printing cylinder from the drum when the drum does not carry a label to be printed on the next printing cycle of the cylinder. The printing means are of a unitary construction to be installed as a unit in the labeling machine. The printed labels are delivered to an oppositely rotatable drum to be adhesively activated on their back sides.