Method of forming a metal halide discharge tube and apparatus therefore

A method of forming a metal halide discharge tube comprises: arranging a tubular body in an essentially vertical orientation; disposing a loose-fit T-plug having a cylindrical portion and an annular flange in an upper open end of the tubular body so that the cylindrical portion of the T-plug is disposed within the open end of the tubular body in a contact-free, spaced relationship with an inner wall of the tubular body and with the annular flange seating against an annular top end edge surface of the tubular body; and firing the tubular body and the loose-fit T-plug to shrink fit the tubular body and the loose-fit T-plug to interfuse the loose-fit T-plug with the upper end of the tubular body in a manner which results in a unitary/monolithic body.