a system and method for manufacturing a stator is shown . an automated stator press is used to assemble a stator . the automated stator press includes a support frame , a control system , a sensor , and a hydraulic ram . stator laminations are stacked onto a mandrel . the mandrel is placed in the support frame . a stator housing is placed over the mandrel . the hydraulic ram compresses the stator laminations in the stator housing . the control system receives compression information from the sensor , and operates the hydraulic ram based on stored process information and information received from the sensor . a stop is inserted in the stator housing to hold the stator laminations in a state of compression after removal of the hydraulic ram .