A compression molding machine includes a support mounted for rotation around an axis and a plurality of angularly spaced molds disposed around the support. Each of the molds includes a first mold segment and a second mold segment. At least one of the mold segments is movable with respect to the other mold segment between a closed position for compression molding a plastic article, and an open position for removing a molded article from the mold and placing a mold charge into the mold. An apparatus is provided for placing mold charges into the molds in sequence.