The parent company of Pride Metals in Watseka is closing a Paris, Illinois factory and bringing up to 70 new jobs to Iroquois County.

The announcement from the Iroquois Economic Development Association could make Lyon Metals the county's largest employer, in time. IEDA Executive Director Ken Barragree said the Paris closing displaces about 70 people. More than a dozen of them plan to relocate to Watseka.

Lyon Metals acquired Pride Metals in Watseka through bankruptcy in 2013. The company manufactures metal lockers, tool boxes and other similar storage products.

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