Abstract: Methods, apparatus for the manufacture of an elongate compressed detergent composition, using apparatus comprising at least one pressing means (64) in movable communication with a forming chamber (60), wherein said at least one pressing means has a contact surface (65) suitable for contacting, in use, a composition, (61) to be compressed, and wherein the at least one contact surface is angled with respect to the forming chamber; the method comprising the steps of: loading the forming chamber with a dose of the detergent composition; the at least one contact surface being brought into contact with the detergent composition; the at least one pressing means compressing the composition between the at least one contact surface and forming chamber; and retracting the at least one pressing means to leave an elongate compressed detergent composition in the forming chamber of a non-rectangular cross-section.