March 7, 2006 — Worthington Industries recently announced the planned closure of its Dietrich Metal Framing manufacturing facility in LaPorte, Ind.

The LaPorte steel processing facility processes small-walled, galvanized steel coils, which have seen a decrease in supply over the past several years. In addition, Dietrich Metal Framing, a division of Worthington Industries, is converting all of its manufactured products to UltraSTEEL^™, a patented technology that alters the characteristics of steel to make it stronger. The move to this new process further decreases Dietrich’s ability to utilize the products created in this facility.

“The impact on people, their families and the community always makes it difficult to decide to close a facility,” said John P. McConnell, Chairman and CEO of Worthington Industries. “We are taking this action to ensure we are providing the best possible materials to our customers and that we are using our capacity wisely to benefit the company and its shareholders.”

Dietrich will be entering into discussions with Teamsters Local 142 over the effects of the closure. The plant employs forty-nine people.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is a premier North American value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stamping and laser welded blanks. The company employs more than 7,500 people and operates 64 facilities in 10 countries.