A central connecting device (36) for a flat blade style wiper blade assembly (20) includes a plastic intermediate base (38) that is fixed, such as by ultrasonic welding, to a pair of flexors (26) extending the length of the wiper blade assembly (20). The intermediate base (38) includes a recessed deck section (42) for receiving a metallic housing (54). The housing (54) is heat-staked in position to the intermediate base (38) to secure the two elements together as an integral unit. A rivet (78) extends transversely across the sidewalls (58) of the housing (54) for adjoining to a universal connector (82) or other suitable adaptor or by direction connection to the end of a wiper arm.