Low profile igniter

An igniter (15) and a method of manufacturing the igniter (15) in which the igniter (15) includes a housing (16) having a first end (17) with an opening (20), a second end (18) opposite the first end (17), a longitudinal axis extending from the first end (17) to the second end (18), and a top surface (19)with a weakened area (21). The igniter (15) further includes a pyrotechnic material (22) disposed within the housing (16), a header (23) having a first end (24) and a second end (25) opposite the first end (24), and a bridge element (27) provided on the first end (24) of the header and having lead wires (31) on the second end (25) of the header (23). The first end of the header is inserted into the opening of the housing so as to force the header against the pyrotechnic material.