An electrical machine stator assembly comprises: an electroconductive coil arranged circumferentially with respect to the rotational axis; a plurality of pairs of side lamination assemblies arranged circumferentially with respect to the rotational axis; a plurality of pairs of switch lamination assemblies arranged circumferentially with respect to the rotational axis and positioned adjacent ends of side lamination assemblies proximal the rotor; and at least one tooth associated with each switch lamination assembly and proximal the rotor. Each switch lamination assembly comprises a first group of laminated materials aligned generally circumferentially and generally in a first direction with respect to the rotational axis, the first direction being one selected from the group consisting of the axial and radial directions with respect to the rotational axis. Each side lamination assembly comprises a second group of laminated materials aligned generally axially and generally radially with respect to the rotational axis.