Founded in December 2004 as International Metal Enterprises, Inc., an investment company established specifically to acquire operating companies in the metals industry.

Raised US$200 million in equity capital from a diverse group of financial institutions and listed shares on the London Stock Exchange AIM Market in October 2005.

November 2006, acquired Globe Metallurgical Inc., the largest silicon metal manufacturer in North America and largest specialty ferroalloy manufacturer in the United States, with a corporate history dating back to 1871.

November 2006, also acquired Stein Ferroaleaciones S.A. – an Argentine producer of silicon-based specialty alloys – and its Polish affiliate, Ultracore Polska.

January 2007, acquired Camargo Correa Metais S.A. (CCM), a major Brazilian silicon metal manufacturer.

January 2008, acquired 81% of Solsil, Inc., a producer of very-high-purity silicon for use in photovoltaic ("PV") solar cells.

May 2008, acquired a majority stake in Ningxia Yonvey Coal Industry Co., Ltd., a Chinese producer of carbon and graphite electrodes for use in submerged arc metallurgical furnaces. GSM owns 70% of Yonvey.

November 2009, sold the Brazilian operation to Dow Corning. Formed a joint venture with Dow Corning at the Alloy, WV silicon metal facility.