An installation for processing articles, the installation comprising an article-transfer device extending between two processing stations, the transfer device comprising a rail having at least one rectilinear segment and defining a closed travel path for carriages that are mounted on the rail to move freely therealong, each of which is provided with means for driving at least one article, the transfer device comprising a screw extending along the rectilinear segment of the rail and having a thread that co-operates with fingers secured to the carriages in order to drive the carriages along the rectilinear segment.