A system for manufacturing lamp tubes formed in a circular configuration features a plurality of carrier devices attached to a transfer apparatus which links a lamp-tube-softening apparatus, a bending apparatus and an exhaust apparatus, respectively, in an endless or continuous manner. Each carrier device which receives and holds a sealed lamp tube from a supply source or station can thus return to its starting position after completing its passage around the lamp-tube-softening apparatus, the bending apparatus and the exhaust apparatus, respectively.