Jan. 10, 2006 — Worthington Industries, Inc. has been rated as one of FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For in America."

Worthington Industries was the only metals-related company and one of only three Ohio companies on this year’s list. FORTUNE cited a "culture based on trust—and great benefits" as reasons for Worthington’s inclusion on the list.

Worthington was listed on the first FORTUNE"100 Best Companies to Work for in America" in 1998, and then again in 1999 and 2002. The company was also recognized by the book "The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America" by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz in 1984 and in 1993 when the book was republished. This year's listing spotlighted the company's employee health care plan and unusual perks such as on-site barbershops.

"We are extremely proud of our history with the 100 Best Companies list, dating back to the book that got it all started in 1984," John P. McConnell, Chairman and CEO, said. "We celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2005 and had the best earnings year in our company's history. Adding the FORTUNE 100 Best list to our year of accomplishments is most gratifying to all of us."

The "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" and related stories appear in the January 23 issue of FORTUNE, available on newsstands January 16 and at the company's website on January 9.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with three business segments: steel processing, metal framing and pressure cylinders. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is North America's premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stampings, metal ceiling grid systems and laser welded blanks. Founded in 1955, the company employs 7,500 people and operates 65 facilities in 10 countries.

The company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first corporate goal. This philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, shareholder, and supplier, serves as the company's foundation and provides one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry.