A method for producing heat exchange elements having a tubular base body with ribs connected to the outer surface area for increasing the heat exchange surface area are especially suitable for base bodies having a cross-section with a width that is substantially greater than its height. According to the method, the ribs are produced by removing sheet metal strips from a roll and passing them through a corrugating device, positioning the corrugated sheet metal strips on lateral surfaces of the base body and welding the corrugated sheet metal strips to the base body. The application of the corrugated sheet metal strips, their positioning relative to the base body, and the transport of the base body in its longitudinal direction are effected by a special drive unit. For welding the sheet metal strips to the base body, laser heads are preferably used.