PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports Profit for the Second Quarter of 2006

Southfield, Michigan – July 26, 2006 - 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 second quarter pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1,321,397 compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $589,409 in the same period last year. Net income for the second quarter 2006 was $462,768, or $0.29 per share, compared to net income of $277,573, or $0.18 per share in the second quarter of last year. Second quarter 2006 net income includes a $264,000 after tax charge in discontinued operations to provide for a dispute concerning a former line of business.

On a year-to-date basis, pre-tax income from continuing operations is $2,983,058 compared to first half pre-tax income of $1,426,093 in the prior year. Year-to-date net income is $1,511,542 or $0.95 per share, compared to $740,003 or $0.47 per share in 2005. First half 2006 net income includes a net after-tax charge in discontinued operations of $129,138 for first quarter gains on property disposals offset by the second quarter charge for a dispute concerning a former line of business.

Second quarter net sales increased 29% to $24.6 million from $19.0 million in the comparable period last year. On a year-to-date basis, sales were $48.1 million, an increase of $7.7 million or 19% compared to the prior year. This sales growth was driven by higher selling prices and increased volume at Harvel Plastics, Inc.; margins and earnings were also higher due to pricing and volume. The high level of activity in the PVC and CPVC pipe markets continued through the second quarter with historically high selling prices due to increased PVC resin costs and strong demand. During the second half of the year these conditions are subject to construction activity levels and the cost of raw materials. Sales and earnings were lower for the Elco Corporation compared to the prior year due to reduced sales of products for certain specialty applications which had been strong in the first half of last year. Higher raw material costs are placing pressure on margins at Elco and various measures are being taken to minimize the impact.

The strong second quarter performance represents a continuation of the momentum generated by Harvel in the preceding two quarters. Although volume measured in pounds was essentially the same in each quarter, revenue increased from $23.5 million in the first quarter of 2006 to $24.6 million in the second quarter as the result of a shift in mix towards higher priced but lower margin products and a weakening of pricing in certain segments at Harvel. The mix shift and softening pricing caused margins and earnings to trend downward in the second quarter, and this may continue.

Commenting on the Company’s results, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “The continued strong operating performance is coming at a time when we need it to help fund large parts of the legacy liabilities. In total, we are funding approximately $6 million for pension and environmental matters in 2006. In addition, we are making capital expenditures of approximately $4.5 million, much of it for process improvements in manufacturing as well as additional capacity at Harvel.”

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.