PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports Results for the 2nd Quarter 2003

Southfield, Michigan – August 5, 2003 - Detrex Corporation (NASDAQ: DTRX), a diversified manufacturer of PVC and CPVC pipe, duct and shapes and specialty chemicals including lubricant additives and high purity hydrochloric acid, today announced operating results for the second quarter of 2003 and for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

The company incurred a net loss from continuing operations of $39,760, or $0.03 per share, during the second quarter of 2003 compared to net income from continuing operations of $372,608, or $0.24 per share, for the second quarter of 2002. Revenues decreased approximately $1.2 million, or 7.5%, in the second quarter of 2003 compared to the same period in the prior year as market conditions were weak and erratic. For the first six months of 2003 revenues were $30,392,645, a decrease of $927,301, or 3%, compared to the same period in 2002. The company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $155,351, or $0.09 per share, in the first six months of 2003, compared to net income from continuing operations of $555,285, or $0.35 per share, for the same period in 2002. The principal components of the 2003 decline in income compared to 2002 are an increase in pension expense of $255,000 for the second quarter of 2003 and $582,000 year-to-date, and the expiration at the end of 2002 of a royalty agreement which contributed $327,838 to the second quarter 2002 results and $496,702 to the six month results in 2002. The net loss for the second quarter of 2003, including discontinued operations, was $39,760 and the net loss for the first six months of 2003 was $52,941.

Compared to 2002, the second quarter decrease in sales is due to lower volume at both Harvel and Elco. Harvel’s primary end markets are in commercial and industrial construction where activity has been slow throughout the spring. The decline in sales at Elco is primarily the result of reduced demand for hydrochloric acid used in semiconductor manufacturing and other industrial applications.

A number of actions were taken to further the exit from the discontinued Parts Cleaning Technologies (PCT) segment during the first six months of 2003. In the first quarter, the former Los Angeles branch was closed and sold; in the second quarter, the Euclid branch was closed and the company is no longer leasing this property. Expenditures related to the PCT exit resulted in charges to the exit reserves of $131,499 for the second quarter and $269,549 for the first six months.

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 filed with the SEC. Some factors that could cause results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include: market conditions, environmental remediation costs, liquidation value of assets, and marketability of real estate. The Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the 1995 Act.