A reformer that includes a housing including a tubular member and an end
plate member hermetically joined to the tubular member. The housing
defines within it a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path in
a heat exchanging relationship with each other. A reforming catalyst is
disposed within the first fluid flow path. The tubular member has a
tubular end, and the end plate member has an abutting rim that contacts
with and extends along the tubular end of the tubular member and that is
folded together over an entire circumference thereof to define a folded
hermetic seam between the tubular member and the end plate member. The
reformer can be low-priced and its manufacture is easy and efficient.