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