In a method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber cable, a metal band is gradually shaped into a lengthwise slotted tube, the optical fibers are introduced into the still open slotted tube, the lengthwise slot of the tube is welded and the outside diameter of the welded tube is reduced. The welded tube with the reduced outside diameter is wound at least once around a take-up reel. A force provided on the reduced outside diameter welded tube as it is wound on the take-up reel causes an elastic strain of 0.1 to 0.6% on the tube. The strain is released on the take-up reel to produce an overlength of the optical fibers relative to the reduced outside diameter welded tube.