Abstract: A reel change apparatus for supplying a webbing material to a downstream machine has two sliding platens that are substantially linearly slidable between a respective standby position and a respective splicing position. Two reel holding members each hold a reeled web in a respective material supply position and a respective wait position. The two sliding platens have clamps for retaining a leading end of a new web. A pivotable platen has a clamp for retaining the trailing end of a running web. Adhesive provided on the leading end is exposed and supported on the sliding platens. The leading end of the new web may be retained on one sliding platen in the respective standby position while a running web passes over the other sliding platen.