A separator plate for a PEM fuel cell (20) and a method of making the same includes providing a sheet of material (64) having through plane passages formed therein. A sheet of graphite (26, 28) is placed on each of a first face and a second face of the sheet of material to form a laminated member. Compressive force is applied onto the laminated member. First portions of the graphite are extruded to flow into the through plane passages (72). An array of electrically conductive pathways (74) through the sheet are created. Second portions of graphite are bonded to each of the first face and the second face.