Southfield, Michigan – April 26, 2007 - 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 2007 first quarter pre-tax income from continuing operations of $982,716 compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1,661,660 in the same period last year.  Net income for the first quarter 2007 was $540,494, or $0.34 per basic share, compared to net income of $1,048,776, or $0.66 per basic share, in the first quarter of last year.  First quarter 2006 net income included $134,862 in after tax earnings from a property sale related to discontinued operations. 

First quarter 2007 revenues were $24.3M, which represents a 3.5% increase compared to prior year first quarter revenues of $23.5M.  This increase was driven by sales growth of 10.7% at Harvel Plastics, Inc. from a combination of higher volume and a shift in product mix.  In spite of the higher sales, margins and earnings declined because the volume growth and resultant mix shift was towards higher priced but lower margin products.  Additionally, PVC pipe prices and margins have declined from the historical highs experienced in the first quarter of 2006.  Sales and earnings were lower for The Elco Corporation compared to the prior year due to weaker domestic demand and the timing of order patterns for export sales. 

Commenting on the Company’s results, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “We are pleased with the performance of our businesses in the first quarter.  Although the first quarter results are down from the hurricane influenced levels of the first quarter of 2006, we have achieved relatively strong performance under the current conditions and believe that the underlying strong performance will continue throughout the year.”