Abstract: An apparatus for loading battery plate groups into a battery box. The apparatus includes a compression frame which includes a number of relative movable walls and stops for gripping and retaining battery groups. The wall carry guide shins for projecting into respective cells in a battery box and guide the groups into the cells as they are pushed by a pusher. The movable nature of the walls allow the groups to be loaded into frame, when it is in released position. The walls can then be drawn together compressing the groups and retaining them in a compressed state as they are loaded.