July 27, 2007

PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports Profit for the Second Quarter of 2007

Southfield, Michigan – July 27, 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 second quarter pre-tax income from continuing operations of $837,370 compared to pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1,321,397 in the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis, pre-tax income from continuing operations was $1,820,086 compared to $2,983,057 for the first six months of the prior year. Results for the 2006 periods were unusually strong due to the after-effects of the hurricanes.

Net income including discontinued operations for the second quarter of 2007 was $460,553, or $0.29 per basic share, compared to net income of $462,767, or $0.29 per basic share, in the second quarter of last year. Year-to-date net income, including discontinued operations, was $1,001,047, or $0.63 per basic share, compared to $1,511,545, or $0.95 per basic share, in 2006. In 2006, net after-tax charges of $264,000 and $129,138 were recorded in discontinued operations for the second quarter and first six months, respectively.

Second quarter net sales decreased 8.8% to $22.4 million from $24.6 million in the comparable period last year. On a year-to-date basis, sales were $46.8 million, a decrease of $1.4 million or 2.8% compared to the prior year. The second quarter and year-to-date decline in sales are primarily the result of a change in mix and lower pipe prices at Harvel Plastics, Inc. Sales and earnings for the Elco Corporation for the second quarter of 2007 were below the second quarter of 2006 primarily due to reduced export sales. Elco’s domestic orders in 2007 improved from the first quarter to the second quarter as several accounts came on stream and demand from existing customers began to improve.


Commenting on the Company’s results, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “Given that both Harvel and Elco’s markets softened somewhat in the last quarter, operational performance remained relatively solid. We believe that these markets have begun to stabilize and may improve in the coming months. This performance provides a base for continued investment and growth in the businesses while we move forward on working down our legacy liabilities. One such business investment was a new warehouse and distribution facility for Harvel in Dallas, Texas to better serve the Gulf States region.”

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.