A filling machine employs a rotary table with a plurality of peripheral openings for receiving bags for filling with particulate matter as the table rotates. A gathering and severing unit is provided on the table in order to close the bag after filling. This unit includes a pair of guide plates which serve to gather a part of the bag when the guide plates are moved towards each other. In addition, a reciprocally mounted severing blade is positioned on one of the guide plates and is reciprocated transversely of the movement of the guide plates in order to sever the gathered part of the bag. The blade may be reciprocated twice to ensure complete severance of the gathered part of the bag.
