Abstract: A calender roll whose shell consists of ferromagnetic material is heated by several groups of electromagnets which are mounted within the shell on a stationary carrier and whose pole shoes are adjacent to the internal surface of the shell. The temperature of the external surface of the shell is monitored at several locations as considered in the axial direction of the roll, and the resulting signals are compared with reference signals denoting the optimum or desired temperatures at such locations. Signals denoting the differences between the actual temperature signals and desired temperature signals are used to regulate the characteristics of electric current which is supplied to the windings of the electromagnets. Each electromagnet of each group can be regulated independently of all other electromagnets. Alternatively, two or more electromagnets of each group or entire groups of electromagnets may be regulated simultaneously. Additional electromagnets are provided to heat the end portions of the shell.