Machine tool, comprising at least two workpiece carrier assemblies (11), each including a workpiece carrier (12), said workpiece carrier assemblies (11) being supported on respective workpiece carrier support (1) for horizontal movement in a first direction in parallel with a horizontal Z axis; at least a first tool carrier (21), supported on a tool carrier support (2) for horizontal movement in a second direction, said first tool carrier (21) being displaceable in said second direction between at least one operative position (A) in which said first tool carrier (21) is facing one of said workpiece carrier assemblies (11), and at least one inoperative position in which said first tool carrier (21) is not facing any workpiece carrier assembly (11). The invention also relates to a method of machining a connecting rod using the machine tool.