An apparatus for applying a sheet of flexible material to a cylindrical body is disclosed. The apparatus includes an applier frame segment movably mounted on a supporting frame member, a servo arm rotatably connected to said applier frame segment for retracting and extending said applier frame segment towards and away from cylindrical body. The invention provides in a second aspect a method of applying a sheet of elastomer to a cylindrical body comprising the steps of: providing an applier frame movably mounted to a frame assembly, providing the sheet of elastomer to the applier frame, pivoting the applier frame upwards and moving the applier frame towards the cylindrical body, locating the applier frame in an inclined position adjacent the cylindrical body, applying the sheet of elastomer to the cylindrical body, and then retracting the applier frame to its starting position.