PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports a Profit for 2004

Southfield, Michigan – March 21, 2005 - Detrex Corporation (DTRX.PK), a diversified manufacturer of PVC and CPVC pipe, duct and shapes and specialty chemicals including lubricant additives and high purity hydrochloric acid, today announced full year pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1,448,366 compared to a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $1,541,245 in 2003.

Revenues for 2004 were $74.4 million, an increase of $14.6 million, or 24% over 2003. This increase was generated by aggressively pursuing growth opportunities in both of the company’s subsidiaries in an environment of general economic improvement. The Elco Corporation grew revenues by 30% on volume increases in nearly all product lines and strong sales for certain specialty applications which may not continue at this level. Harvel Plastics, Inc. generated sales growth in all product lines as well and realized a 21% year-over-year growth.

The earnings improvement and return to profitability in 2004 was almost entirely driven by operating improvements at each of the company’s business units. Margins rose substantially in both units due to the volume growth and improved product mix. Those factors more than offset the negative impact of dramatic raw material cost increases throughout the year. In the fourth quarter, corporate charges of $945,000 were made to increase the environmental reserve and write-down a property held for sale. During the year, after tax charges of $129,000 were made to discontinued operations, primarily for holding costs on properties being remediated. Including these charges, the 2004 net income, including discontinued operations, was $637,475, or $0.40 per share, compared to a net loss of $1,294,824, or $0.82 per share, in 2003.

The strong performance generated in 2004 is continuing into the first quarter of 2005. High levels of economic activity in the company’s industrial markets coupled with sales gains made in 2004 will lead to continued high revenues and earnings in the quarter. There can be no guarantee that this performance will extend to future quarters, however, since a number of uncertainties exist about continued demand for certain products.

During the year the Company worked on securing an improved credit agreement with a new principal lender which was closed on January 28, 2005. The new agreement has a three-year term and consists of a revolving credit facility of $15.5 million and a term loan of $3.2 million.

Commenting on the Company’s results for 2004, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “The Company returned to profitability on substantial volume gains and solid operational performance in our two subsidiaries. In addition, we made further progress on several of the legacy liabilities and put in place a financing arrangement which will serve our needs going forward. This performance is consistent with our plan to generate value by profitably growing the businesses and continuing to work down the liabilities.”

Statements included in this press release that are not historical in nature are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “1995 Act”). The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “target” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Certain risks and uncertainties are identified from time to time in the Company’s reports. Some factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include: market conditions, environmental remediation costs, pension expense and funding requirements, liquidation value of assets, and marketability of real estate and the market value and future liquidity of Detrex stock. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the 1995 Act.