A fuel cell system includes a first electrically non-conductive sheet portion having a coolant flow layer in an opening thereof, a first non-stamped, flat, metal separator on a first side of the coolant flow layer and a second non-stamped, flat, metal separator on a second side of the coolant flow layer opposite the first separator. A membrane is received in an opening of a second electrically non-conductive sheet portion. Gas diffusion layers are located on opposite sides of the membrane. The gas diffusion layers have channels open toward the first non-stamped, flat, metal separator or the second non-stamped, flat, metal separator to allow flow of an oxidant and/or fuel therethrough.