PRESS RELEASE

Detrex Corporation Reports a Profit for the 3rd Quarter of 2004

Southfield, Michigan – November 4, 2004 - 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 third quarter pre-tax income from continuing operations of $511,106 compared to a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $744,512 in the third quarter of 2003. In the third quarter of 2004 a charge of $231,000, net of taxes of $119,000, was made to discontinued operations to account for costs resulting from extending the holding period for various properties being remediated. Including this charge, overall net income for the third quarter of 2004 was $46,676, or $0.03 per share compared to a net loss of $484,569 or $0.31 per share in the same quarter in 2003.

Third quarter net sales increased to $19.8 million from $14.7 million in the comparable period last year and from $18.8 million in the second quarter of 2004. On a year-to-date basis, sales were $56.4 million, an increase of $11.3 million, or 25%, compared to the prior year. This growth was generated in both of the company’s operating units as the result of market share gains and improved market conditions. In 2004 Elco’s third quarter sales increased $1.4 million over the second quarter. Much of this increase was the result of sales for a specific application which may not continue at this level. Harvel sales continue to be strong although at a slightly lower level than in the first half which is consistent with the seasonality of this business. While sales are strong, margins in both businesses are under pressure due to a combination of highly competitive conditions and rapidly increasing raw material costs.

On a year-to-date basis, pre-tax income from continuing operations was $1,335,246, an improvement of over $2.2 million compared to the pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $899,138 for the same period in 2003. Year-to-date net income is $475,464, or $0.30 per share compared to a loss of $537,499 or $0.34 per share in 2003. The main driver for this improvement is the significantly higher volume in 2004.
The impact of higher volume on margins was partially offset by higher selling and personnel costs.

Commenting on the Company’s results, President and CEO Tom Mark said, “As the operating results for the quarter and year-to-date demonstrate, Elco and Harvel are solid and well managed businesses. While the fourth quarter is traditionally slow, I believe we have laid the foundation for a good year and continued strong performance in 2005. As we focus on further enhancing these businesses, we will continue to deal with the legacy pension and environmental liabilities.”

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.