A multipurpose packing machine (1) having an input portion (2) and an output portion (3), and wherein the input portion (2) has a first packing module (26) for forming a succession of rigid first packages (31) about respective packed groups (13) of cigarettes, to produce a succession of first packets (30); and the output portion (3) has at least a further packing module (33; 46; 53; 62; 70) similar to the first packing module (26) and for forming a succession of rigid further packages (37; 50; 58), each housing at least one respective first packet (30).