a method and apparatus for forming large fiber - reinforced foamed plastic panels is disclosed . the panels are produced by a process comprising filling a flat mold with freshly mixed foam plastic precursors , including fibrous material for reinforcement of the panels , closing the mold until the plastic precursors have foamed and set , then opening the mold and removing the finished panel . the apparatus comprises a platen mounted for traversing under the dispensing outlet of a mixing device , whereby the platen is filled with foamed plastic precursors , and a press into which the platen travels before the mixture has begun to mold . the press is provided with a novel mechanism for closing the mold by placing a cover on top of the platen before the plastic begins to foam . the same mechanism is adapted to open the mold by lifting the platen cover . thereafter , the platen is moved in a reverse of its entry movement , returning to its starting position for removal of the finished panel . the mechanism for opening and closing the mold is operated by hydraulic operators under the supervision of a sequencing controller which provides a tilting movement during operation , providing for expelling of air during closing of the mold and breaking the surface tension between the platen cover and the finished panel by first raising or peeling one corner of the platen so as not to lift the panel out of the mold .