a welding complex in accordance with the invention comprises a machine for resistance butt welding , means for supporting the end part of the pipeline and holding means including a platform reciprocable axially of the pipeline and a plate with a device for carrying the pipe section to be welded , rotatable by a drive between the positions of loading a pipe section and aligning it with the pipeline . for loading the holding means with the plate rotated into the loading position , by longitudinally displacing a pipe section from the accumulator , the latter is arranged alongside the platform , so that the pipe section it delivers extends at an acute angle relative to the end of the pipeline .