A system and method for manufacturing a flexible bulk container. The system includes workstations circumferentially spaced apart from each other. Each of the workstations is operable to perform an operation on a preform of the container. The workstations sequentially modify the preform from an initial version to a final version, the final version of the preform being the manufactured flexible bulk container. A preform manipulation apparatus includes a carrousel disposed centrally and being rotatable about a vertical central axis. Manipulation arms are mounted to the carrousel for common rotation therewith. The manipulation arms each have a proximal end fixed to the carrousel and a distal end having a manipulation tool mounted thereto for seizing and manipulating the preform at each of the workstations. Each of the manipulation arms in operation displaces the manipulation tool and the preform between successive workstations.