PURPOSE: To execute the stable, accourate tension control and to manufacture the product with good shape, by determining the aim values for the rolling torque and rolling load of each of horizontal and vertical rolls in the successive biting process for the material at individual stand.

CONSTITUTION: Before the material 10 is rolled, the rolling condition is inputted from the condition setter 41 to the tension control arithmetic processor 42. The motors M1W5 are driven at the commanded speeds. After the material 10 is bitten into the first stand 21, and before the material 10 is bitten into the second stand 22, the rolling torque and the rolling load of the first stand 21 are respectively actually measured, and the tensile torque between the first and second stands is determined, and the rolling torque and the rolling load of the first stand are memorized. When the impact reduction period passes over after biting the tip of material 10 into the second stand 22, the rolling torque and the rolling load of the first stand are measured, and the speed correction signal is produced. This speed correction signal operates the driving motor M1 of the first stand 21 through the adder 36 so as to set the tension between the first and second stands at the desired value.