Abstract: For accurate positioning of a web of material which is to be transported stepwise by at least first and second feed means through processing stations disposed therebetween, the feed means are controlled by a programmable computer which stores a value representative of the length of the distance to be covered by the web during a transportation step. The tension of the web is measured and the measured value is compared to a reference value stored in the computer. If the actual value deviates from the reference value the drive means of at least one of the web feed means is controlled in such a way that the tension in the web is at least substantially adjusted to the reference value by increasing or reducing the length of the portion of web which in a transportation step is drawn into the processing region between the web feed means.