Lyon
AcquiredOverview
Lyon is a manufacturer of industrial storage and workspace products, including lockers, cabinets, shelving, and storage systems. Founded in 1901, the company established itself as a leading producer of steel storage solutions for commercial, institutional, and industrial applications. Lyon serves customers across multiple sectors including education, law enforcement, military, and general industrial markets through a network of dealers and distributors.
History
B.L. Waters founded Lyon Metallic Manufacturing Company in 1901 with the conviction that steel products would become dominant in the marketplace. Over more than a century, Lyon grew to become the leading manufacturer of steel storage and workspace products in North America. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 19, 2013, and subsequently underwent liquidation. Oak Point Partners acquired the remnant assets of Lyon Workspace Products, LLC in May 2017, marking the end of the company's independent operation.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Lockers | Standard and specialty locker solutions for various applications | $200 - $2,500 |
| Storage Cabinets | All-welded and economical cabinet systems for industrial storage | $300 - $3,000 |
| Shelving Systems | Modular shelving and safety storage products | $150 - $2,000 |
| Workstations | Modular work stations and seating products | $400 - $3,500 |
| Storage Racking | Industrial-grade racking systems for warehouse and facility use | $500 - $5,000 |
| Locker Accessories | Benches, latching systems, and complementary locker room products | $100 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
Lyon manufactured steel storage products primarily through in-house production facilities. The company maintained operations in Illinois, with headquarters in Montgomery and corporate facilities in Aurora. Production focused on fabricated steel components assembled into finished storage systems.
Notable Products
- Heavy Duty Steel Lockers - Welded steel lockers designed for demanding industrial, military, and law enforcement applications
- Collegiate Lockers - Specialized locker systems for educational institutions and student housing
- All-Welded Storage Cabinets - Durable cabinet systems for secure storage of tools and materials
- Modular Drawer Cabinets - Customizable drawer-based storage solutions for organized workspace management
- Nano Metal Roller Latching Systems - Advanced latching technology providing break-in protection for lockers
Reputation
Lyon was recognized as the leading manufacturer of steel storage products in North America, with a reputation for durability and quality built over more than a century of operation. The company was known for serving institutional and industrial customers with reliable, heavy-duty solutions. However, Lyon faced significant financial challenges that led to bankruptcy in 2013, suggesting difficulties in adapting to market changes and competition. The brand's legacy remains associated with traditional steel storage solutions, though the company no longer operates independently.