A method for fabricating a rotor assembly for an induction motor includes assembling a shorting end ring onto the rotor assembly which includes a steel laminate stack and a plurality of conductor bars. The shorting end ring includes a plurality of grooves aligned with corresponding portions of the conductor bars extending from a first end of the steel laminate stack. Assembling includes inserting the corresponding portions of the conductor bars into the grooves of the shorting end ring. The shorting end ring is affixed to the rotor assembly by applying a compressive force around a perimeter of the shorting end ring to deform the conductor bars.