Exhibit 99.1
CONTACTS:
Cathy M. Lyttle                               Allison M. Sanders
VP, Corporate Communications                  Director, Investor Relations
Phone: (614) 438-3077                         Phone: (614) 840-3133
E-mail: cmlyttle@WorthingtonIndustries.com    E-mail:
                                              asanders@WorthingtonIndutries.com

                                                   www.WorthingtonIndustries.com

For Immediate Release

        Worthington Industries to Close Dietrich LaPorte, Ind., Facility


COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 2, 2006- Worthington Industries (NYSE:WOR) announced today
the planned closure of its Dietrich Metal Framing manufacturing facility in
LaPorte, Ind. Forty-nine people are employed at the steel processing plant,
which is expected to cease operations by the end of June 2006.

The 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(TM) 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.

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.

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Worthington Industries
March 2, 2006


                              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.

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