Tyre tread server and method of applying a tyre tread

Tire building apparatus and method wherein the cut to length tread (35) is transported to a drum (18) on a conveyor (20) having laterally movable driving rollers (72) and inverted guide rollers (90) engaging the inner surfaces (92) of raised shoulders of the tread (35). Control of the tread length is provided by measuring the length of the tread before and while it is being wrapped on the drum (18) and then varying the stretching and rate of tread application to the drum to provide a precise splice (102) of the ends of the tread. The position of the tread ends are controlled by a pricker bar (52) to insure placement of the leading end (98) on the drum (18) and then placement of the trailing end (100) on the drum over the leading end to provide the desired splice.