an apparatus and method for manufacturing surface fastener bands having opposite end portions provided with mating multiple fastener elements including a pair of grippers for moving the opposite end portions into a joining station for joining together to form a single band , and an endless belt conveyor having a continuous surface fastener tape applied on an upper surface thereof , and a pressing roller for pressing one of the end portions of the surface fastener band to the conveyor for transporting the band downstream to a packing station or further station .