An apparatus and method for loading material may utilize an unwind apparatus and a loading apparatus. The unwind apparatus may include a frame and a mandrel. The mandrel may be adapted to receive a spool including a core and a strand of material. The mandrel may be associated with a mandrel support member, which provides support. The loading apparatus includes a base member and a loading shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion may be connected with the base member and the distal end portion may be configured to engage the mandrel. The loading shaft may support a replacement spool including a core and a strand of material wound around the core. When the loading shaft is engaged with the mandrel, the core of the replacement spool is movable from the loading shaft to the mandrel.
