Worthington Industries, Inc. announced that Founder and Chairman Emeritus, John H. McConnell, 81, has approved a plan to sell up to 1.5 million common shares of Worthington Industries held by his family's corporation, JDEL, Inc.

The sale will be conducted over an extended period, up to one year, and will increase JDEL's diversification and liquidity, benefiting estate planning.

Mr. McConnell will remain Worthington Industries' largest shareholder, retaining beneficial ownership of more than 13.5 million common shares, approximately 15.5% of Worthington Industries' common shares outstanding.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of more than $2 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is North America's premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as automotive aftermarket stampings, pressure cylinders, metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems and laser welded blanks. The company employs 8,000 people and operates 61 facilities in 10 countries.