Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously sizing, preforming or forming metal objects include a plurality of molds arranged in a substantially vertical column and which collectively define a mold cavity. Each mold is separable into at least two mold sections. A retaining mechanism retains the molds in the vertical column. A first and second hydraulic arm assembly separates the bottom mold into sections and removes with a first hydraulic arm the mold sections from the bottom of the mold column and places the sections at the bottom of an adjacent vertical column of mold sections. A second hydraulic arm then pushes the adjacent column of sections upwardly and a third hydraulic arm positions a top mold section from each adjacent column of sections to form a top mold on the vertical mold columns.