A gripper is disclosed for gripping a tubular, e. The method includes the steps of: providing an annular hollow form with inner and outer side walls; filling the form with a particulate mixture of ceramic and metal; closing, evacuating, and hermetically sealing the form; heating the form to an appropriate temperature; and applying force to consolidate the particulate mixture into solid cermet. The assembly provides interconnection for rechargeable cells oriented end to end, in parallel rows.