A metal extrusion press has a pair of fixed crossheads spaced along a press axis from each other and a plurality of elongated upper and lower members extending axially between and rigidly connected to the crossheads. Each member includes a rod axially tensioned between the crossheads and a beam axially compressed between the crossheads. A movable crosshead is between the fixed crossheads, and a container is between the movable crosshead and one of the fixed crossheads. Respective crosshead and container guide units support the movable crosshead and container on the members and engage around the members. Rollers are engaged between each of the guide units and the members.