A method for securing a permanent magnet within a rotor core is described. The rotor core includes a first end and a second end and at least one permanent magnet opening configured to receive the permanent magnet. The method includes coupling a first rotor end lamination to the first end of the rotor core. The first lamination includes at least one inner wall that defines an opening within the first lamination that corresponds to the permanent magnet opening in the rotor core. The first lamination includes a bridge portion positioned between the at least one inner wall and an outer edge of the first rotor end lamination. The method also includes positioning a permanent magnet at least partially within the permanent magnet opening and mechanically deforming the bridge portion of the first lamination to secure the permanent magnet within the permanent magnet opening.