A Century of Evolution

General Stamping & Metalworks (GSM) has a rich history spanning over a century, evolving from a small sheet metal works to a leading provider of metal fabrication services.

GSM operated for most of its history as General Sheet Metal Works, the name H.P. Axelberg gave the company at its 1922 founding — still in use as of a 2012 South Bend Tribune profile of the company. Customers and job seekers still search for us under both names, and both refer to the same South Bend company and, since expansion, the same Tomah, Wisconsin plant.

1922

GSM is founded

H.P. Axelberg establishes General Sheet Metal Works in South Bend, Indiana, to serve Studebaker and the University of Notre Dame.

1922

1930s

Adapting Through the Great Depression

GSM shifted its focus to municipal construction projects, supplying metal fabrication.

1930s

1940s

Supporting the War Effort

With the US entering World War II, GSM assisted Studebaker in reconfiguring assembly lines to support military production.

1940s

1950s

Expanding into Residential Construction

As the post-war housing boom took off, GSM pivoted to manufacturing for residential and commercial buildings.

1950s

1960s-1970s

Growth in Metal Fabrication & OEMs

GSM became a key supplier for Wheel Horse Products, expanding its capabilities to support garden tractor and equipment industries.

1960s-1970s

2000s

Expansion & Entry into Solar Manufacturing

A new manufacturing facility was built in Tomah, Wisconsin to meet growing demand.

2000s

Today

A Leader in Precision Metal Fabrication

Now operating as General Stamping & Metalworks, GSM manages a 250,000 sq foot facility serving OEMs worldwide.