Abstract: Apparatus for automatic high-speed winding of a continuous web of thin film-like material onto a core to form a wound roll, in which the film is applied by a train of idling lay-on rolls consisting of first and second rolls arranged parallel to the said core and which, in the production position are applied against the roll being wound by use of a pneumatic cylinder having a movable piston situated at each end of each roll and each acting on a respective pivoting arm one end of which carries a bearing on which the rolls are journaled and the other end of which pivots on a carriage that can be advanced and retracted along a guide path, enabling perfectly uniform wound rolls to be obtained.