A stator assembly or a stator stage is disclosed. The stator assembly includes an endless case that is coupled to or includes at least one lug for engaging an anti-rotation stator segment. The anti-rotator segment includes one curved side edge and one straight or linear side edge. The case also accommodates a plurality of middle stator segments, each having curved side edges on both sides. Finally, a third type of stator segment is a “neighbor” stator segment with one curved side edge and one linear side edge that abuttingly engages the linear side edge of the anti-rotation stator segment. The straight or linear side edges of the anti-rotation stator segments and the neighbor stator segments enable an endless case to be loaded with stator segments from an axial direction. None of the stator segments need to be installed from a radial direction.