PURPOSE: To compact and supply groups of flat products arranged side by side on the edge by periodically operating a pair of compacting arms to be engaged with a conveyor.

CONSTITUTION: Products 3 of respective groups 2 are housed in a lateral pocket 7 to be moved together with a conveyor 4 in the axially separated state, and moved on the conveyor 4. A compacting device 16 having a pair of facing compacting arm 42 is continuously engaged with the groups. When the products 3 are separated from respective channels 10, a head 44 which moves in a direction 6 at the same speed as the upper traveling part 5 is moved in a recessed part 1 and in the facing direction so as to be brought into contact with two products on ends and, and aligned with the facing front surfaces of walls 12, 13 to bring the products 3 into contact with each other and to compact the groups 2. When the products 3 are started to be engaged with the channels 14, the head 44 is lifted and moved rearward beyond the recessed part 7.