A compound paper machine system for producing multi-layer paper webs which includes several web forming units and a common endless lower wire or felt therebeneath on which the individual webs are deposited. Each web forming unit may comprise a forming cylinder on which slurry is deposited from a headbox and a separate endless wire or felt which laps part of the upper surface of each cylinder and which is guided so as to deposit the individually formed webs onto the common endless lower wire or felt. Optionally the separate lapping wires or felts for each unit can be a single porous belt.