A closing and locking device for a press comprising a stationary plate, a stationary head spaced from the stationary plate, and a mobile plate movable toward and away from the stationary plate. Movement of the mobile plate is controlled by a double acting piston-cylinder mechanism. A toggle arrangement is pivotally connected between the mobile plate and the stationary head. A second double acting piston-cylinder mechanism operates, after the first piston-cylinder mechanism moves the mobile plate toward the stationary plate, to position the toggle arrangement for locking the mobile plate in place. The entire closing and locking device is arranged within the external contour of the press. The toggle arrangement plays no part in the major portion of the movement of the mobile plate with respect to the stationary plate, but is activated only to lock and unlock the mobile plate. Provision is made for slowing the flow of fluid to the first piston-cylinder device to permit degassing during compression molding of resins containing expanding agents.