Exhibit 99.1

Dietrich Metal Framing Announces Sublicensing of UltraSTEEL(TM); Clark Western
Converting Operations to Hadley Technology

    COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2006--Dietrich Metal
Framing, a Worthington Industries company (NYSE:WOR), today announced
that it has signed an exclusive sublicensing agreement with Clark
Western for UltraSTEEL(TM) metal framing products using patented
technology of Hadley Industries PLC. Dietrich has a licensing
agreement with Hadley for exclusive rights to manufacture and sell
metal framing using the UltraSTEEL(TM) technology in North America.
    "This new metal framing technology will be a breakthrough product
for the industry and we believe the Clark sublicensing will greatly
accelerate market acceptance and availability," said Ed Ponko,
President of Dietrich Metal Framing. "We explored many alternatives
and quickly came to the conclusion that this was clearly an innovative
product and process for metal framing," added Bill Courtney, President
of Clark Western. "This unique arrangement is a testament to both of
our companies' belief in the merits of UltraSTEEL(TM)."
    UltraSTEEL(TM) is an internationally patented method of altering
the characteristics of the base strip steel providing higher strength
material. Additional benefits have been verified by independent
sources and the product has received certification by Underwriters
Laboratories. The product will improve speed and quality of the
building process by allowing for faster and better fastening of both
the framing products and wallboard. UltraSTEEL's greater rigidity and
smoother edges also make handling easier and safer.
    Dietrich has begun making UltraSTEEL(TM) framing products
available in Florida, North and South Carolina and Georgia while
systematically rolling them out across North America as Dietrich
manufacturing facilities convert to the UltraSTEEL(TM) process. Clark
Western will employ a similar plan to make the product more readily
available in the marketplace. Clark, headquartered in Cincinnati,
Ohio, with 14 manufacturing locations, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Marubeni-Itochu Steel America.
    Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing
company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. 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, 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. Worthington was named this year to FORTUNE'S 100 Best
Companies to Work for in America. This is the company's fourth
appearance on FORTUNE'S list.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    The company wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions
included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("the
ACT"). Statements by the company, which are not historical information
constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Act.
All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
which could cause actual results to differ from those projected.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include
risks described from time to time in the company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

    CONTACT: Worthington Industries
             Cathy M. Lyttle, 614-438-3077
             cmlyttle@worthingtonindustries.com
             OR
             Allison M. Sanders, 614-840-3133
             asanders@worthingtonindustries.com