EXHIBIT 99.1

[Encore Wire Corporation Logo Omitted]

ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION        PRESS RELEASE                MAY 16, 2005
1410 MILLWOOD ROAD
MCKINNEY, TEXAS 75069                              CONTACT: FRANK J. BILBAN
972-562-9473                                                VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                    ENCORE WIRE CHAIRMAN/CEO SUFFERS STROKE;
                              INTERIM CEO ANNOUNCED

MCKINNEY, Texas--(Business Wire)--May 16, 2005--Encore Wire Corporation
(NASDAQ:WIRE), reported today that its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, Vincent A. Rego, suffered a stroke on May 9, 2005. Mr. Rego is
currently hospitalized and undergoing treatment in a Dallas hospital. The
Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, Daniel L. Jones, has assumed
the additional responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer of Encore Wire on an
interim basis.

Encore Wire Corporation manufactures a broad range of copper electrical wire for
interior wiring in homes, apartments, manufactured housing and commercial and
industrial buildings.

Contact:
Encore Wire Corporation, McKinney
Frank J. Bilban, 972.562.9473