A tread band applicator device is provided for building a tread band on a tire carcass and includes a press applicator head for applying a tread band raw material mass onto the tire carcass as the tire carcass is rotated. The press applicator head is movable along the direction of the axis of rotation of the tire carcass in correspondence with the curvature of the outer surface of the tire carcass and is operable to apply the tread band raw material in a width which is less than the width of the tire carcass. The press applicator head is a component of an extruder which is mounted for movement about a plurality of axes.