A driving apparatus for a vertical rolling mill comprises a vertical electric motor 21 mounted on a frame 20 which has a hollow rotary shaft 22 therein supported by a bearing 26 and surrounding a portion of an intermediate shaft 23. The upper end of the intermediate shaft 23 extends through the hollow rotary shaft 22 and connects to a first universal joint 24a disposed axially above the motor, and which engages the upper end of the hollow rotary shaft 22. The torque of the hollow rotary shaft 22 is transmitted to the vertical roll 25 through the first universal joint 24a of the intermediate shaft 23, and a second universal joint 24b. The apparatus is readily installed in existing buildings without requiring substantial structural modifications. <IMAGE>
