The invention comprises a transfer unit (34) for horizontal movement of a group or layer of articles (10) between at least two adjacent modules (12, 14, 30) while substantially maintaining the relative positions of a plurality of articles (16) constituting the group or layer of articles (10). The transfer unit (34) comprises a horizontal support surface (24) for the layer of articles (10), at least one first bar (46) or push bar for horizontally moving the layer of articles (10) that contacts the rear of the group or layer of articles in the direction of transport or feed to an adjacent module (14, 30) and at least one second bar (40) or support bar contacting the front of the layer of articles (10), the movements of which are at least temporarily coupled with the push bar or first bar (20) in the direction of transfer (20), A first horizontal section of the movement of the first bar (46) or push bar, to generate the horizontal pushing movement at the level of the layer of articles (10) moving on the support surface (24) is longer than a second horizontal section of the movement of the second bar (40) or support bar to generate the horizontal supporting movement for the layer of articles (10).