PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports a Profit for the First Quarter of 2005

Southfield, Michigan – April 25, 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 net income of $462,429 in the first quarter of 2005.

First quarter net sales increased to $21,373,524 from $17,791,798 in the comparable period last year. The Company generated pre-tax income of $836,684 and net income of $462,429, or $0.29 per share, compared to pre-tax income of $342,153 and net income of $186,329, or $0.12 per share, in the same period last year.

The 20% growth in sales was the result of increases in both of the company’s subsidiaries, The Elco Corporation and Harvel Plastics, Inc. Elco sales rose significantly compared to the first quarter in the prior year, and were approximately the same as the strong third and fourth quarters of 2004. Sales growth reflects market share gains, strong sales for certain specialty applications and a healthier economy for the markets that we serve. Harvel generated increases in nearly all product categories as the industrial and commercial construction markets continued to be robust.

The earnings improvement is the result of volume related margin growth. Much of this improvement was generated at Elco due to volume and favorable capacity utilization. These gains helped to offset sharp increases in raw material costs during the quarter, however margins could deteriorate in the future to the extent that raw material costs continue to rise without additional compensating price increases. A portion of the margin improvement was offset by increased operating expenses for higher selling costs, pension expense and accruals for personnel costs.


The momentum generated in 2004 carried into the first quarter of 2005 and is continuing in the second quarter. This sales and earnings momentum is supported by the high levels of industrial economic activity and strong sales for certain specialty applications. Since a number of uncertainties exist about continuation of these conditions, there can be no guarantee that this performance will extend to future quarters.

Commenting on the Company’s results, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “As the first quarter results demonstrate, we are continuing to make progress in our plan for generating shareholder value. Solid operational performance and profitability enhances the value of the business itself while also providing resources for addressing the legacy liabilities. While the first and second quarters are historically the strongest for our company, we anticipate a solid year if the industrial economic expansion continues.”

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.