Abstract: 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.