PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports a Profit for the Second Quarter of 2005

Southfield, Michigan – July 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 $277,573 for the second quarter of 2005.

Second quarter net sales of $19,015,704 were 1% higher than the comparable period last year and approximately 11% below first quarter 2005 sales levels. On a year-to-date basis, sales were $40,389,228, which is an increase of $3,794,678, or 10%, compared to the prior year primarily as the result of the strong first quarter of 2005.

In the second quarter, the Company generated pre-tax income from continuing operations of $589,409 and net income from continuing operations of $277,573, or $0.18 per share, compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $481,988 and net income from continuing operations of $260,678, or $0.16 per share, in the same period last year.

On a year-to-date basis, pre-tax income from continuing operations was $1,426,092, compared to first half pre-tax income of $824,142 in the prior year. Year-to-date net income from continuing operations was $740,003, or $0.47 per share.

The momentum generated in 2004 continued into the first five months of the year with strong sales gains. Volume declined in June as sales of certain specialty additives fell off and demand in the plastic pipe markets softened. We are closely monitoring economic activity levels in the industrial and commercial construction markets since these markets are the primary sources of Harvel’s pipe demand; in addition we are continuing to pursue various specialty applications for Elco’s products.

The company initiated a significant capital investment project during the quarter consisting of installation of a large diameter pipe and duct extrusion line at Harvel’s California facility. Large diameter pipe and duct are two of Harvel’s special capabilities, and when the line is operational in early 2006 it will enable the company to better serve the Western markets with these products.

Contamination was discovered during required follow-up sampling of the Fields Brook environmental site, in Ashtabula, Ohio, which was remediated three years ago. The source and extent is currently under investigation and an estimate of the cost for additional clean up is expected to be available by the end of the third quarter, at which time it is likely that a charge to income will be taken to provide for these costs.

Commenting on the Company’s results, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “We are pleased with the continued operational performance and with our ability to invest back in the businesses. In the coming years, the continuation of this operational performance becomes particularly important because we expect to enter into a period of increased funding requirements for working down our liabilities for pension and environmental matters.”

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.