Apparatus and method for applying a gum strip to an edge of a cord reinforced ply

An apparatus for applying a first gum strip to a first edge of a cord reinforced ply, wherein the apparatus comprises a ply support extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and defining a support plane (P) for supporting the cord reinforced ply with the first edge extending in said longitudinal direction (L) along a first folding axis (F1) of the apparatus, wherein the apparatus further comprises a first strip support that defines an elongate first strip region (S1) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) for supporting the first gum strip with respect to the ply support, wherein the first strip support comprises a first retaining member extending along the first folding axis (F1) on the same side of the first folding axis (F1) as the ply support for retaining a first part of the first gum strip below the first edge and a first folding member that is rotatable with respect to the first retaining member about the first folding axis (F1) from a flat position on the outside of the first retaining member with respect to the ply support into a folding position opposite to the first retaining member with respect to the support plane (P) for folding a second part of the first gum strip around the first edge.