Abstract: In a single strand rolling mill wherein a product is rolled in a twist-free manner through a succession of finishing stands before proceeding to a laying head, the finishing stands are grouped into at least first and second blocks arranged respectively along first and second non-aligned paths, with the laying head lying on the second path. Switches are employed to alternatively direct the product exiting from the first block either to the second path for continued rolling in the second block prior to being directed to the laying head, or along a third path bypassing the second block and leading directly to the laying head.