An apparatus (50) and method for applying discrete segments to a continuous web includes feeding a first continuous web (86) to a roller (60), the first continuous web (86) comprising one or more layers, feeding a second continuous web (54) to a vacuum anvil (58), cutting the first continuous web (86) into a plurality of discrete segments (56, 146) via interaction of the roller (60) with at least one cutting element (62) selectively positionable adjacent the roller (60), transferring each of the plurality of discrete segments (56, 146) from the roller (60) onto the second continuous web (54) at a first location (94) and via a vacuum pressure from the vacuum anvil (58), and bonding each of the plurality of discrete segments (56, 146) to the second continuous web (54) at a second location (108) downstream from the first location (94) in a machine direction (78), each of the plurality of discrete segments (56, 146) bonded to the second continuous web (54) via interaction of the vacuum anvil (58) with a bonding device (66) positioned at the second location (108).
