The invention relates to a packaging machine comprising a machine frame in addition to a method for the construction and alteration thereof. Said packaging machine comprises a frame made of transversal (3, 22, 28, 29) and longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) for receiving and fixing the individual work stations of the packaging machine, whereby the stations are used, for example, for forming, filling, sealing and labelling the packaging. Displacably mounted securing means for the work stations are fixably arranged on the longitudinal elements of the frames. The invention also relates to a method for constructing said type of packaging machine, whereby the frame is made of longitudinal elements (2, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, 33) which preferably are the same length as the individual work stations, and transversal elements (3, 22, 28, 29) are assembled together and the work stations are consequently suspended, orientated and fixed in the frame. The invention further relates to a method for altering the packaging machine, whereby the respective work stations are removed form the frame once the securing means have been detached. Subsequently, a replacement-work station can be fixed to the longitudinal elements. The longitudinal elements can also be removed, the remaining frame parts being joined together. The old work station is replaced by a new one which has different dimensions, and the longitudinal elements are also replaced by longitudinal elements having a different length.