Method of twisting coil wire to make coil assembly for use in electric rotary machine

A method of producing a coil assembly to be wound in a stator core with a plurality of slots. The method prepares a first and a second coil wire each of which is made up of in-slot portions and turned portions, arranges the first and second coil wires in parallel with the turned portions being offset from each other in a lengthwise direction thereof, moves the first coil wire to establish engagement of the turned portions of the first and second coil wires, turns the first coil wire about a pivot where the turned portions engage, crosses the first coil wire over the second coil wire around the pivot, and turns the first coil wire around the pivot so as to twist the turned portions of the first and second coil wires together. This sequence of steps is repeated to twist or braid the first and second coil wires without undesirable deformation thereof.