<PAGE>   1





                                                                      EXHIBIT 13

                      DETREX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


                       1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS





<PAGE>   2
 
                                      ------------------------------------------
 
                                                        DETREX
                                                     CORPORATION
 
                                                  1996 ANNUAL REPORT
 
                                      ------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   3
 
HIGHLIGHTS(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1996              1995               1994
                                               -----------       -----------       ------------
<S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>
Net sales....................................  $96,825,000       $94,302,000       $100,096,000
Net income (loss)............................      415,000        (1,869,000)        (5,639,000)
Income (loss) per common share...............          .26             (1.18)             (3.56)
Stockholders' equity per common share........        10.93             10.67              11.85
Additions to land, buildings and equipment
  (including capital leases).................    3,110,000         2,662,000          2,860,000
Current ratio................................     1.4 to 1          1.3 to 1           1.3 to 1
Number of stockholders.......................          387               425                477
Number of employees..........................          345               347                367
</TABLE>
 
(1) This information should be considered in conjunction with
    the Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's
    Discussion and Analysis.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DETREX GROUP OF COMPANIES(1)
 
    -- Detrex Corporation -- a specialty chemicals company
 
       - Equipment Division -- designs, engineers and sells industrial parts
         cleaning equipment
 
       - Solvents Division -- distributes and recycles parts cleaning solvents
         and disposes industrial wastes
 
       - RTI Laboratories -- provides analytical and environmental laboratory
         services
 
       - Automation Division -- engineers and sells automation and material
         handling equipment
 
    -- Subsidiaries of Detrex Corporation
 
       - The Elco Corporation -- produces petroleum additives, pharmaceutical
         intermediates, and hydrochloric acid
 
       - Harvel Plastics, Inc. -- manufactures PVC and CPVC pipe and custom
         extrusions
 
       - Seibert-Oxidermo, Inc. -- produces industrial and automotive paint and
         other coatings
 
(1) For more information about the products of Detrex and its subsidiaries, see
    page 16 of this Annual Report or visit our Web Site at http://www.detrex.com
<PAGE>   4
 
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
 
     The year 1996 marked the return to profitability for Detrex. Your Company
reported net income of $415,000, compared to a net loss of $1,869,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1995. The year-to-year improvement in pre-tax earnings
was $3,127,000 and $2,285,000 on an after-tax basis.
 
     This earnings improvement was generated through profitable performance in
five of six business units. The Equipment Division, which had incurred losses
for the last five years, returned to profitability on a significant increase in
sales. Seibert-Oxidermo, our paint subsidiary, continued to provide solid
results as several new customers were brought on stream. Elco, our lubricant
additive subsidiary, generated the strongest performance in its history through
improved responsiveness to customer needs. RTI, our laboratory analysis
division, succeeded in generating a profit in spite of extremely competitive
conditions in the environmental and analytical testing field. Harvel, our
plastics pipe subsidiary, continued to deliver excellent performance by focusing
on quality in its operations, products and customer service. The Solvents and
Environmental Services Division continued to deal with adverse market
developments which resulted in a loss for the year; however, the results were
significantly improved from the prior year.
 
     During the year, we sold the industrial furnace division to a strategic
buyer. This divestiture was designed to shape the Company around a core family
of businesses and to generate funds for investment in growth opportunities for
these businesses. The operations we now have are focused on customer needs in
chemical related goods, services and equipment. Each business has a defined plan
for servicing customers in its market niche; this includes identification of
growth opportunities in our areas of expertise. In November, we initiated such a
growth investment when we broke ground on a new plant in Ashtabula, Ohio. This
plant will be utilized for increased production of zinc based lubricant
additives targeted for industrial applications and is expected to be fully
operational by the first quarter of 1998.
 
     We continue to pay close attention to cash management with working capital
of $8.5 million at year-end, compared to $6.3 million at December 31, 1995. Our
bank borrowing was reduced by $2.9 million while $4.2 million was reinvested in
the business through R&D and capital expenditures. Our capital expenditures are
focused on plant improvement projects and new business opportunities which
generate strong returns.
 
     During 1996, the Detrex team achieved profitability by capitalizing on
actions taken to improve the position of the Company. We successfully
implemented a shift in management focus to the individual business units close
to our customers, employees and suppliers. We now have a solid management team
and a core set of businesses which represent the platform on which we will build
the Detrex of the future. Our immediate goals are to increase shareholder value
by continuing to achieve profitable performance, growing sales volume, and
generating funds for investment in the business.
 
     We thank you and the entire Detrex family for the support given the
management of the Company. With your backing, we are confident that we can grow
the value of your Company.
 

             Thomas E. Mark                           William C. King
  President and Chief Operating Officer     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


 
                                        1
<PAGE>   5
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Suite 900
                                            600 Renaissance Center
Deloitte & Touche LLP Letterhead            Detroit, Michigan 48243-1704
 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
  Detrex Corporation
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Detrex
Corporation and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the
related consolidated statements of operations and retained earnings and of cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Detrex Corporation and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
February 27, 1997
 
Deloitte & Touche Logo
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
DETREX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996              1995               1994
                                                                -----------       -----------       ------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>               <C>
NET SALES...................................................    $96,825,436       $94,301,999       $100,096,443
Cost of sales...............................................     74,100,218        73,062,297         77,135,002
Selling, general and administrative expenses................     18,970,621        20,027,863         18,909,812
Provision for depreciation and amortization.................      3,188,758         3,393,721          3,405,273
Net environmental (income) expense..........................       (100,000)          100,039          8,500,000
Other (income) expense -- net...............................       (571,118)         (689,350)          (494,384)
Minority interest...........................................        280,014           242,110            262,488
Interest expense............................................        919,947           886,106            681,920
Gain on sale of Pacific Industrial Furnace Division.........       (368,985)          --                 --
                                                                -----------       -----------       ------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES...........................        405,981        (2,720,787)        (8,303,668)
Credit for income taxes.....................................         (9,387)         (851,484)        (2,664,788)
                                                                -----------       -----------       ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS)...........................................        415,368        (1,869,303)        (5,638,880)
RETAINED EARNINGS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR......................     13,704,454        15,573,757         21,212,637
                                                                -----------       -----------       ------------
RETAINED EARNINGS AT END OF YEAR............................    $14,119,822       $13,704,454       $ 15,573,757
                                                                ===========       ===========       ============
PER COMMON SHARE:
NET INCOME (LOSS)...........................................           $.26            $(1.18)            $(3.56)
                                                                       ====            =======            =======
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
DETREX CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
                                                                 1996              1995
                                                              -----------       -----------
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents...................................  $ 1,311,045       $ 2,764,360
Accounts receivable (less allowance for uncollectible
  accounts of $395,000 in 1996 and $459,000 in 1995)........   15,203,184        13,956,017
Note receivable.............................................    1,562,665           --
Refundable U.S. income taxes................................    1,003,827         3,040,772
Inventories.................................................    9,058,167         8,437,505
Prepaid expenses and other..................................      878,263           978,819
Deferred income taxes.......................................      759,063         1,991,087
                                                              -----------       -----------
       TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS.................................   29,776,214        31,168,560
 
LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT:
Land........................................................      993,602           993,602
Buildings and improvements..................................   15,938,390        15,914,676
Machinery and equipment.....................................   29,539,130        28,668,642
Construction in progress....................................      819,122           762,885
                                                              -----------       -----------
                                                               47,290,244        46,339,805
Less allowance for depreciation and amortization............   27,916,193        26,203,114
                                                              -----------       -----------
       LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT -- NET.................   19,374,051        20,136,691
LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT HELD FOR SALE OR LEASE........    2,820,125         2,664,773
PREPAID PENSIONS............................................    1,280,886         1,226,348
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.......................................    1,367,265         1,412,973
OTHER ASSETS................................................      973,858         1,049,376
                                                              -----------       -----------
                                                              $55,592,399       $57,658,721
                                                              ===========       ===========
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                                                   1996              1995
                                                                -----------       -----------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Loans payable...............................................    $ 5,627,453       $ 8,500,000
Current maturities of capital leases........................        385,366           606,779
Accounts payable............................................     11,123,341         9,007,603
Environmental reserve.......................................      1,027,000         1,527,000
Accrued compensation........................................        699,520           643,089
Other accruals..............................................      2,398,802         4,566,997
                                                                -----------       -----------
       TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES............................     21,261,482        24,851,468
 
LONG-TERM PORTION OF CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS..............        393,800           518,258
ACCRUED POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS.............................      4,293,584         3,985,885
ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVE.......................................      9,244,297         8,681,199
ACCRUED PENSION AND OTHER...................................      1,344,330         1,142,388
MINORITY INTEREST...........................................      1,746,236         1,586,221
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common capital stock, $2 par value, authorized 4,000,000
  shares, outstanding 1,583,414 shares......................      3,166,828         3,166,828
Additional paid-in capital..................................         22,020            22,020
Retained earnings...........................................     14,119,822        13,704,454
                                                                -----------       -----------
       TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY...........................     17,308,670        16,893,302
                                                                -----------       -----------
                                                                $55,592,399       $57,658,721
                                                                ===========       ===========
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
DETREX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996              1995              1994
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>               <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Net Income (Loss).......................................  $   415,368       $(1,869,303)      $(5,638,880)
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
      provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization......................       3,188,758         3,393,721         3,405,273
      (Gain) Loss on sale or write-off of buildings,
             machinery and equipment........................      107,488          (189,066)         (209,102)
      Deferred income taxes..............................       1,277,731         2,721,155        (3,067,559)
      Changes to operating assets and liabilities that   
           provided (used) cash:  
           Accounts receivable..............................   (1,247,167)        4,103,160        (1,329,201)
           Note receivable..................................   (1,562,665)          --                --
           Refundable U.S. income taxes.....................    2,036,945        (3,040,772)          --
           Inventories......................................     (620,662)          509,579        (1,508,571)
           Prepaid expenses and other.......................       46,018          (248,742)           12,685
           Other assets.....................................       20,761          (133,535)          (52,426)
           Accounts payable.................................    2,115,738        (2,757,588)        1,552,158
           Environmental reserve............................       63,098        (2,382,738)        7,590,937
           Accrued compensation.............................       56,431          (179,561)         (162,265)
           Postretirement benefits..........................      307,699           349,569           322,034
           Other accruals...................................   (1,806,234)        1,148,045        (2,164,240)
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
             TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS..............................    3,983,939         3,293,227         4,389,723
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
             NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
                  ACTIVITIES................................    4,399,307         1,423,924        (1,249,157)
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Capital expenditures....................................   (2,664,387)       (2,095,379)       (2,200,669)
    Proceeds from disposal of machinery and equipment.......        1,615           235,321           309,036
    Proceeds from sale of Industrial Chemical Specialties
       Division.............................................      --                --              1,650,000
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
             NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES........   (2,662,772)       (1,860,058)         (241,633)
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Bank borrowings.........................................      --              3,000,000         3,500,000
    Repayment of long-term debt.............................      --             (1,000,000)       (2,001,361)
    Repayment of short-term debt -- net.....................   (2,872,547)          --                --
    Principal payments under capital lease obligations......     (317,303)         (815,468)         (872,011)
    Common stock issued.....................................      --                --                 28,020
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
             NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING
                  ACTIVITIES................................   (3,189,850)        1,184,532           654,648
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........   (1,453,315)          748,398          (836,142)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..............    2,764,360         2,015,962         2,852,104
                                                              -----------       -----------       -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year....................  $ 1,311,045       $ 2,764,360       $ 2,015,962
                                                              ===========       ===========       ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
    Cash paid during the year for:
         Interest...........................................  $ 1,023,564       $   771,564       $   633,767
         Income taxes.......................................  $   223,044       $   284,579       $   261,825
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
  ACTIVITIES:
    Capital lease obligations incurred in connection with
     the acquisition of equipment...........................  $   445,649       $   566,628       $   658,967
    Capital lease terminations..............................  $   152,931       $   175,708       $    90,220
    Sale of PIFCO...........................................  $ 1,562,665           --                --
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
DETREX CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
 
     Detrex Corporation and its subsidiaries operate predominantly in a single
industry: chemicals and allied products, services, and processes for use by
manufacturing and service industries. The principal products include specialty
chemicals, lubricant additives, pharmaceutical intermediates, cleaning solvents,
hydrochloric acid, PVC and CPVC plastic pipe, industrial finishing materials and
paints, automation equipment, degreasing equipment, and environmental and
analytical laboratory services. The products are primarily sold by sales-service
engineers and most sales are direct to industrial users.
 
     All of the Company's business units operate in highly competitive markets
which are mainly national in scope, although approximately 12% of the Company's
business is done internationally principally by its lubricants subsidiary and
its plastic pipe subsidiary. Generally, for all products there are numerous
competitors with no one company or a small number of companies being dominant.
The Company operates in niche markets and its principal methods of competition
in various markets include service, price and quality, depending on the market
serviced. No material part of the business is dependent upon a single customer
or a few customers and therefore vulnerability from this aspect is not a factor.
However, certain of the Company's business units sell primarily to automotive or
automotive related companies.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Basis of Financial Statements
 
     The consolidated financial statements comprise those of the Company and its
subsidiaries. All balances and transactions between the companies have been
eliminated. Certain amounts for 1994 and 1995 have been reclassified to conform
with 1996 classifications.
 
     Inventories and Accounts Receivable
 
     Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market. Cost of raw materials,
including raw materials in work in process and finished goods inventories,
generally is determined by using the last-in, first-out method. Labor and burden
in inventory are determined by using the average cost method. Inventories
relating to fixed-price contracts are stated at the accumulated cost of
material, labor and burden less related progress billings.
 
     Revenue from most of the Company's equipment contracts is recognized using
the completed contract method because the impact on results of operations does
not differ materially from use of the percentage-of-completion method. Revenue
from large equipment construction contracts is recognized using the
percentage-of-completion method.
 
     Land, Buildings and Equipment
 
     Land, buildings and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and
amortization are provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets using
the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. Leased equipment is
amortized over the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset.
 
     Annual depreciation rates are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
Buildings................................    2.5-20%
Leasehold improvements...................    2.5-20%
Yard facilities..........................    5-6 2/3%
Machinery and equipment..................    6 2/3-33 1/3%
Office furniture and fixtures............     10-25%
</TABLE>
 
     Research and Development
 
     Research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred.
Research and development costs for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were approximately
$1,114,000, $1,272,000, and $1,784,000, respectively.
 
     Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
 
     Earnings (loss) per common share is based upon the average number of common
shares outstanding during the year. Shares subject to stock options are not
considered in per share calculations since there is no dilutive effect.
 
     Cash Flows
 
     For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash equivalents
are defined as short-term highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less at date of purchase.
 
     Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
     The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
notes receivable, accounts payable, and debt under the Revolving Credit
Agreement approximated fair values.
 
     Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
3. INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories at December 31 consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1996           1995
                               -----------    -----------
<S>                            <C>            <C>
Raw materials..............    $ 3,005,399    $ 2,861,900
Work in progress...........      1,785,310      1,989,115
Finished goods.............      5,768,376      4,897,266
Less: Progress billings on
  work in progress.........     (1,500,918)    (1,310,776)
                               -----------    -----------
                               $ 9,058,167    $ 8,437,505
                               ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The excess of current cost over the stated last-in, first-out value is
approximately $1,635,000 and $1,855,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995. As a
result of liquidating inventories carried at costs incurred in prior years, the
Company's 1995 net loss before income taxes was decreased by $502,000.
 
4. CAPITAL AND OPERATING LEASES
 
     Capitalized lease assets (primarily automobiles, trucks and lab equipment)
included in machinery and equipment at December 31 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1996          1995
                                 ----------    ----------
<S>                              <C>           <C>
Machinery and equipment......    $2,140,025    $3,081,776
Accumulated amortization.....     1,151,240     1,654,301
                                 ----------    ----------
Leased assets -- net.........    $  988,785    $1,427,475
                                 ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Rent expense applicable to operating leases for 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
$565,000, $569,000 and $925,000, respectively.
 
     Minimum annual lease payments for leases in effect at December 31, 1996 are
as follows:
 
<TABLE>

Minimum Lease Payments:           Capital    Operating
                                 --------   ----------
    <S>                         <C>        <C>
     1997......................  $450,022   $  466,245
     1998......................   272,889      404,382
     1999......................   126,548      284,178
     2000......................    55,850      108,445
     2001......................    22,974       60,000
     2002 and thereafter.......     --         135,000
                                 --------   ----------
Total minimum lease payments...   928,283   $1,458,250
                                            ==========
Less amount representing
  interest.....................   149,117
                                 --------
Present value of net minimum
  lease payments...............   779,166
Less current portion...........   385,366
                                 --------
Non-current portion............  $393,800
                                 ========
</TABLE>
 
5. REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT AND TERM LOAN
 
     The Company finalized a new Credit Agreement (the Agreement) with Comerica
Bank on June 13, 1996. The Agreement provides for a credit facility of up to
$12.0 million, collateralized by the Company's inventory, accounts receivable,
certain fixed assets, and stock of subsidiaries. The Agreement contains, among
other provisions, requirements for maintaining defined levels of tangible net
worth and various financial statement ratios. Interest under the Agreement is
based on the prime interest rate. The Company has received a commitment from
Comerica Bank to extend the current facility to May 1, 1998. The commitment also
provides for an additional $2.0 million Term Loan facility.
 
     The weighted average interest rate for short term borrowings under the
Agreement for the year ended December 31, 1996 was 10.07%, compared to 8.10% for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and 7.94% for the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
     The net credit for income taxes, calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 109
for 1996, 1995 and 1994, included the following components:




 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1996          1995          1994
                            -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>
Current for tax purposes:
  Federal.................  $(1,146,060)  $(3,851,066)  $   --
  State and local.........       74,381       278,427       336,199
                            -----------   -----------   -----------
    Total Current.........   (1,071,679)   (3,572,639)      336,199
                            -----------   -----------   -----------
Deferred income taxes:
  Federal.................      948,152     2,609,310    (2,647,688)
  State and local.........      114,140       111,845      (353,299)
                            -----------   -----------   -----------
    Total Deferred........    1,062,292     2,721,155    (3,000,987)
                            -----------   -----------   -----------
Credit for income taxes...  $    (9,387)  $  (851,484)  $(2,664,788)
                            ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 1996 and 1995 relate to
the following temporary differences and carryforwards:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996           1995
                                           -----------    -----------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>
Net operating loss carryforward........    $ 1,049,617    $ 1,077,543
Alternative minimum tax credit
  carryforward.........................        383,144        383,144
Accruals for:
  Postretirement benefits..............      1,644,013      1,526,195
  Environmental........................      3,932,879      3,908,719
  Restructuring........................         43,268        213,780
  Self insurance reserve...............        187,621        414,681
Inventory related......................        460,635        556,773
Other..................................        225,875        221,165
                                           -----------    -----------
    Gross deferred tax assets..........      7,927,052      8,302,000
                                           -----------    -----------
Valuation allowance....................       (467,000)      (467,000)
                                           -----------    -----------
Depreciation...........................     (2,919,663)    (2,788,135)
Undistributed earnings of the Company's
  DISC.................................     (1,484,017)    (1,234,345)
Insurance Refund.......................       (344,610)       --
Other..................................       (585,434)      (408,460)
                                           -----------    -----------
    Gross deferred tax liabilities.....     (5,333,724)    (4,430,940)
                                           -----------    -----------
    Net deferred tax assets............    $ 2,126,328    $ 3,404,060
                                           ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of $511,131, $1,669,081,
$789,891 and $117,006 that expire in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
     The reasons for the difference between the income tax provision and income
taxes computed at 34% for 1996, 1995 and 1994 are summarized below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1996         1995          1994
                                ---------    ---------    -----------
<S>                             <C>          <C>          <C>
Computed 'expected' tax
  provision...................  $ 138,034    $(925,068)   $(2,823,247)
State and local income taxes,
  net of federal tax
  benefit.....................    124,424      257,580        (14,193)
Nondeductible meal and
  entertainment expense.......     63,504       57,324         48,098
Tax refund carryback tax rate
  differential................   (364,319)    (791,805)
Deferred tax asset valuation
  allowance...................     --          467,000
Other -- net..................     28,970       83,485        124,554
                                ---------    ---------    -----------
                                $  (9,387)   $(851,484)   $(2,664,788)
                                =========    =========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     In 1995, the Company established a valuation allowance of $467,000 against
its deferred tax assets. The Company is continuing to evaluate the need for the
valuation reserve.

7. LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT HELD FOR SALE OR LEASE
 
     In 1993, the Company sold one division and outsourced manufacturing at
another location. As a result, the Company has two facilities available for sale
or lease. Neither facility is currently utilized and the Company is actively
pursuing the sale or lease of both.
 
8. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT COSTS

     The Company and its subsidiaries have several non-contributory, defined
benefit pension plans which cover substantially all employees. Benefits for
salaried employees are based on years of service and the employee's average
monthly compensation using the highest five consecutive years preceding
retirement. Benefits for hourly employees are generally based on a specified
payment per month for each year of service. The Company's funding policy is to
contribute amounts sufficient to provide for benefits earned to date and those
expected to be earned in the future.
 
     The discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation levels used
in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligations
were 7.50% and 4.0%, respectively, at December 31, 1996 and 7.25% and 4.0%,
respectively, at December 31, 1995. The expected long-term rate of return on
assets was 8.5% in both years. The following table sets forth the plans' funded
status and amounts recognized in the Company's balance sheet at December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996           1995
                                           -----------    -----------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit
  obligations:
  Accumulated benefit obligations:
    Vested benefits....................    $23,253,400    $22,094,843
    Non-vested benefits................      1,065,066      1,042,117
                                           -----------    -----------
      Total............................    $24,318,466    $23,136,960
                                           ===========    ===========
Projected benefit obligations for
  service rendered to date.............    $26,515,239    $25,360,581
Plan assets at fair value -- primarily
  equity and fixed income bond funds...     29,678,284     27,923,010
                                           -----------    -----------
Excess of plan assets over projected
  benefit obligations..................      3,163,045      2,562,429
Unrecognized net asset at January 1,
  1986 being recognized principally
  over 15 years........................       (950,426)    (1,246,551)
Unrecognized net gain from past
  experience different from that
  assumed..............................     (1,888,671)    (1,102,264)
Additional minimum liability...........       (156,892)      (129,654)
                                           -----------    -----------
Net pension asset (liability)..........    $   167,056    $    83,960
                                           ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
Net pension credit included the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                1996           1995           1994
                             -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                          <C>            <C>            <C>
Service cost-benefits
  earned during the year...  $   584,825    $   467,594    $   556,058
Interest cost on projected
  benefit obligations......    1,869,757      1,755,902      1,671,239
Actual return on plan
  assets...................   (3,506,258)    (4,310,407)       885,828
Net amortization and
  deferral.................      979,521      1,956,305     (3,366,137)
                             -----------    -----------    -----------
Net pension credit.........  $   (72,155)   $  (130,606)   $  (253,012)
                             ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The Company has a 401(k) plan covering its salaried employees. Employees
can contribute up to 15% of their salaries. The Company makes no contribution to
this plan.
 
     Certain divisions and subsidiaries of the Company provide contributory
defined benefit health care plans for retirees, subject to various conditions
and limitations.
 
     Net periodic postretirement benefit costs included the following
components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1996        1995        1994
                                     --------    --------    --------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
Service cost-benefits attributed
  to service during the period...    $171,286    $161,389    $156,144
Interest cost on accumulated
  postretirement benefit
  obligation.....................     284,266     290,573     264,224
                                     --------    --------    --------
Net periodic postretirement
  benefit cost...................    $455,552    $451,962    $420,368
                                     ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
     The Company's postretirement benefit plans are not funded. The status of
the plans at December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996         1995
                                             ----------   ----------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit
  obligation:
  Retirees.................................  $2,149,113   $1,866,703
  Fully eligible active plan
    participants...........................     283,839      273,351
  Other active plan participants...........   1,653,460    1,596,113
  Unrecognized net gain....................     207,172      249,718
                                             ----------   ----------
    Total accrued postretirement
      benefits.............................  $4,293,584   $3,985,885
                                             ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
     For measurement purposes, a 8.7% annual rate of increase in the per capita
cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 1996. The rate is assumed
to decrease gradually over the next 8 years to 5.5% in 2002 and thereafter. The
assumption for the health care cost trend rate has a significant effect on the
amount of the obligation and periodic cost reported. An increase in the assumed
health care cost trend rates by 1.0% in each year would increase the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1996 by approximately
$685,685 and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net
periodic postretirement benefit cost for the year then ended by approximately
$91,019.
 
     The assumed discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.5% at December 31, 1996, 7.25% at
December 31, 1995 and 8.5% at December 31, 1994.
 
9. SALE OF PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL FURNACE DIVISION
 
     On October 21, 1996, the Company completed the sale of the net assets of
its Pacific Industrial Furnace Company (PIFCO) division. A portion of the
consideration was received as a $1,562,665 note which was paid in 1997. Also,
the Company entered into a consulting agreement which provides that it will
receive compensation for providing certain services to the buyer over the next
four years. The 1996 pre-tax gain on the sale of this division was $369,000.
Included in 1996 results are sales of $4.6 million and a before tax loss of
$573,000 applicable to PIFCO.
 
10. OTHER INCOME -- NET
 
     Other income includes interest income of approximately $182,000, $272,000
and $46,000 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
11. CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Environmental Protection Agency ('EPA') has notified the Company and at
least seventeen other companies that they may be potentially responsible for
sharing the costs in a proceeding to clean up contaminated sediments in the
Fields Brook watershed in Ashtabula, Ohio. The EPA issued a Record of Decision
in 1986 concerning the methods it recommends using to accomplish this task at an
estimated total cost for all the companies of $48,000,000. The Company and the
other potentially responsible parties have expressed their disagreement with
this recommendation and are continuing to negotiate with the EPA as to how best
to effect the clean up operation. The Company believes that the Fields Brook
remedial investigation and feasibility studies referred to below will be an
important factor in the negotiation with the EPA.
 
     The Company maintains a reserve for anticipated expenditures over the next
several years in connection with remedial investigations, feasibility studies,
remedial design, and remediation relating to the clean up of environmental
contamination at several sites, including properties owned by the Company. The
Company added $.8 million to the reserve in 1996, $.1 million in 1995, and $8.5
million in 1994. The amounts of the reserve at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were
$10.3 million and $10.2 million respectively, which amounts were calculated
without taking into consideration any possible insurance recoveries. Included in
Accounts Receivable at December 31, 1996 is a $.9 million receivable reflecting
a settlement whereby the Company will recover prior environmental costs incurred
at a site where the Company formerly conducted business.
 
     The reserve described above includes a provision for the Company's
anticipated share of remedial investigation and studies to determine sources of
contamination and methods of remediation in the Fields Brook watershed referred
to above, as well as a provision for costs that are expected to be incurred in
connection with remediation of the Fields Brook watershed and other sites. Some
of these studies have been completed; others are ongoing. In many cases, the
methods of remediation remain to be agreed upon.
 
     The Company expects to continue to incur professional fees, expenses and
capital expenditures in connection with its environmental compliance efforts.
 
     In addition to the above, there are several other claims and lawsuits
pending against the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
     The amount of liability to the Company with respect to costs of remediation
of contamination of the Fields Brook watershed and of other sites, and the
amount of liability with respect to several other claims and lawsuits against
the Company, was based on available data. The Company has established its
reserves in accordance with its interpretation of the principles outlined in
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 and Securities and Exchange
Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 92. In the event that any additional
accruals should be required in the future with respect to such matters, the
amounts of such additional accruals could have a material impact on the results
of operations to be reported for a specific accounting period but
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
should not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial
position.
 
12. PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Company has authorized 1,000,000 shares of $2 par value preferred
stock, issuable in series. No shares were issued or outstanding as of December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
 
13. STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
 
     The Company has in place a Shareholder Rights Plan, under which preferred
stock purchase rights were distributed to shareholders as a dividend of one
Right for each outstanding share of Common Stock. Each Right will entitle
shareholders to buy one one-hundredth of a newly issued share of Series A
Preferred Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $80, subject to
adjustment. The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock or
commences a tender or exchange offer upon consummation of which a person or
group would beneficially own 30% or more of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock. Until they become exercisable, the Rights will be evidenced by the Common
Stock certificates and will be transferred only with such certificates.
 
     If any person becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock, or if a holder of 15% or more of the Company's Common
Stock engages in certain self-dealing transactions or a merger transaction in
which the Company is the surviving corporation and its Common Stock remains
outstanding, then each Right not owned by such person or certain related parties
will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's then-current exercise price,
shares of the Company's Common Stock (or, in certain circumstances, units of the
Company's Series A Preferred Stock, cash, property or other securities of the
Company) having a market value equal to twice the then-current exercise price.
In addition, if the Company is involved in a merger or other business
combination transaction with another person after which its Common Stock does
not remain outstanding, or sells 50% or more of its assets or earning power to
another person, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's
then-current exercise price, shares of common stock of such other person having
a market value equal to twice the then-current exercise price. The Company will
generally be entitled to redeem the Rights at $.01 per Right at any time until
the tenth business day following public announcement that a person or group has
acquired 15% or more of the Company's Common Stock. The Plan will expire on May
4, 2000 unless the Rights are earlier redeemed by the Company.
 
14. STOCK OPTIONS
 
     On April 22, 1993, the shareholders of the Company approved the
Corporation's 1993 Stock Option Plan (the Management Plan) and the Corporation's
1993 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the Directors' Plan). At December
31, 1996, pursuant to the Management Plan and employment agreements, key
executives have options outstanding totaling 119,000 shares, of which 101,000
represents options granted in 1996. These shares have exercise prices ranging
from $5.00 to $9.50. Pursuant to the Directors' Plan, options for 21,000 shares
in 1993 and 6,000 shares in 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been granted at exercise
prices ranging from $7.31 to $13.20. Options for 3,000 of these shares were
exercised in 1994 at $9.34 a share. The options outstanding under the Directors'
Plan total 36,000 at December 31, 1996 and the total under both plans is
155,000. Of these 155,000 options, 62,750 with a weighted average exercise price
of $8.28 were exercisable at December 31, 1996 and 92,250 with a weighted
average price of $6.66 were unexercisable. All options expire ten years from
date of grant.
 
     The total number of shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of options
under the Management Plan is 150,000 shares and under the Directors' Plan is
50,000 shares. No options have expired under the Directors' Plan. Options for
5,000 shares were forfeited in 1996 under the Management Plan.
 
     In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, the Company has elected to continue to
report compensation by applying the requirements of Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and therefore has
recorded no charge to income for stock options. The Pro-forma effect of applying
the Black-Scholes option valuation model to options granted in 1995 and 1996 is
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1996     1995
                                         ----     ----
<S>                                      <C>     <C>
Net income (loss) as reported (in
  thousands).........................    $415    $(1,869)
Pro-forma net income (loss) (in
  thousands).........................     347     (1,890)
Earnings (loss) per share as
  reported...........................     .26      (1.18)
Pro-forma earnings (loss) per
  share..............................     .22      (1.19)
</TABLE>
 
     For 1996 and 1995, the assumptions underlying the Black-Scholes model
include (i) an expected volatility of .36 and .42 respectively based upon the
prior ten years of month-end closing stock prices, (ii) a risk-free rate of
return of 5.99% and 7.23% respectively, which approximates the 10-year Treasury
Bond rate, and (iii) a ten year period from time of grant until exercise.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     Detrex Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (the Company) earned
$415,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, compared to a net loss of
$1,869,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and a net loss of $5,639,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1994. In 1996, the Company incurred a loss in its
Solvents and Environmental Services Division but had earnings from all of its
other continuing businesses. Also the Company recorded a loss of $573,000 from
operations of the Pacific Industrial Furnace Company (PIFCO) division which it
sold in October 1996 and a gain on the sale of $369,000.
 
     The $2.3 million earnings improvement over last year was generated through
profitable performance in five of six business units. The Equipment Division,
which had incurred losses for the last five years, returned to profitability on
a significant increase in sales. Seibert-Oxidermo, our paint subsidiary,
continued to provide solid results as several new customers were brought on
stream. Elco, our lubricant additive subsidiary, generated the strongest
performance in its history through improved responsiveness to customer needs and
its entry into the pharmaceutical intermediates market. RTI, our laboratory
analysis division, succeeded in generating a profit in spite of extremely
competitive conditions in the environmental and analytical testing field.
Harvel, our plastics pipe subsidiary, continued to deliver excellent performance
by focusing on quality in its operations, products and customer service. The
Solvents and Environmental Services Division continued to deal with adverse
market developments which resulted in a loss for the year; however, the results
were significantly improved from the prior year.
 
     The Company continues to analyze its environmental reserve and makes
adjustments to reflect changes from updated or new studies and any other
significant developments. During 1996, the Company added $800,000 to the
reserve. Also in 1996, the Company reflected in income a $900,000 settlement
whereby the Company will recover expenses incurred in conjunction with clean up
costs at a site where the Company formerly conducted business. For a more
detailed explanation of the Company's liabilities for environmental matters,
refer to Footnote 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
COMPARATIVE OPERATING DATA (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996               1995                1994
                                                                   ---------------    ---------------    ----------------
                                                                     $         %        $         %         $         %
                                                                   ------    -----    ------    -----    -------    -----
      <S>                                                          <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>
      Net sales................................................    96,825    100.0    94,302    100.0    100,096    100.0
      Gross margin.............................................    22,725     23.5    21,240     22.5     22,961     22.9
      Selling, general and administrative expenses.............    18,971     19.6    20,028     21.2     18,910     18.9
      Depreciation and amortization............................     3,189      3.3     3,394      3.6      3,405      3.4
      Gain on sale of PIFCO....................................       369       .4      --       --        --        --
      Net income (loss)........................................       415       .4    (1,869)    (2.0)    (5,639)    (5.6)
</TABLE>
 
     1996 COMPARED TO 1995 -- Net sales in 1996 increased $2.5 million over 1995
amounts. Revenue increases occurred at the Company's Equipment Division, its
paint subsidiary (Seibert-Oxidermo, Inc.), its plastic pipe subsidiary (Harvel
Plastics, Inc.) and its lubricant additives subsidiary (The Elco Corporation).
Revenue decreases occurred at the Solvents and Environmental Services Division
and at PIFCO which was sold in October.
 
     Gross margin in 1996 was 23.5%, compared to 22.5% in 1995. The increase is
attributable to improved margins at the Company's Equipment Division and The
Elco Corporation (Elco). These two business units had the largest increase in
sales, were able to control costs, and therefore benefitted from economies of
scale. In addition, Elco entered the pharmaceutical intermediates market where
margins are better than Elco's traditional product lines.
 
     The $1.0 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses
is attributable to cost cutting and control activities that took place, and a
reduction in termination and severance pay. Cost cutting was most prevalent in
the Company's Solvents and Environmental Services Division. This cost cutting
action contributed to a smaller loss for this division in 1996 than the one that
occurred in 1995.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
            FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
 
     The 1996 provision for depreciation and amortization is approximately the
same as in 1995 for all of the Company's current business units. The overall
reduction in depreciation expense is primarily attributable to no depreciation
in 1996 on a former production facility currently held for sale.
 
     Interest expense increased in 1996 as a result of higher interest rates
being incurred on the short-term borrowings under the Company's credit facility.
This rate increase was partially offset by lower borrowings.
 
     The income tax credit in 1996 reflects the normal federal income tax
provision, state and local income taxes, and a credit reflecting the recognition
of a rate differential resulting from the carry-back of certain components of
this year's taxable loss to a tax year in which the statutory rate was 46%. The
Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3.0 million at
December 31, 1996, representing a federal income tax benefit of approximately
$1.0 million.
 
     1995 COMPARED TO 1994 -- In 1995, net sales decreased $5.8 million. The
major reason for the decrease was a significant reduction in revenue at the
Company's Solvents and Environmental Services Division resulting from changing
environmental laws, along with smaller decreases at the Company's Industrial
Furnace Division, its Equipment Division, and its paint subsidiary. The
Company's plastic pipe and lubricant additives subsidiaries both had increases
in revenue.
 
     Gross margin in 1995 was approximately the same as in 1994 with the gross
margin in 1995 being 22.5% versus the 22.9% margin in 1994.
 
     The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses reflects a
$500,000 provision for termination pay, increases in the provision for bad debts
and increases in selling expenses at most of the Company's business units.
 
     The provision for depreciation and amortization is approximately the same
as the prior year for all of the Company's major business units.
 
     Interest expense for 1995 was higher than in 1994 due to increased
borrowings in 1995 and higher interest rates.
 
     The income tax credit for both 1995 and 1994 reflects a credit for federal
income taxes, partially offset by state and local income tax expense. In
addition, during 1995 a credit of $792,000 was recorded to reflect a rate
differential resulting from the carryback of certain components of prior year
net operating losses to tax years in which the statutory rate was 46%, partially
offset by a charge of $467,000 establishing a valuation reserve against deferred
tax assets.
 
LIQUIDITY, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company utilized a combination of internally generated funds and
receipt of federal income tax refunds to finance its activities during 1996. As
explained in Footnote 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company
entered into a new Revolving Credit Agreement with Comerica Bank in June, 1996.
The Company has received a commitment from Comerica Bank to extend the current
facility to May 1, 1998. The commitment also provides for an additional $2.0
million term loan.
 
     Working capital was $8.5 million at December 31, 1996, compared to $6.3
million at December 31, 1995.
 
     The Company's capital expenditures (including capital leases) totaled
$3,110,000 in 1996. This compares to $2,662,000 in 1995 and $2,860,000 in 1994.
Capital expenditures in 1997 are estimated to be $4.8 million. The increase
represents additional demand for lubricant additives and the need for plant
improvements.
 
     The Company made cash payments of $1.0 million that were charged to its
environmental reserve in 1996; the Company also recovered $400,000 as a result
of revised allocations and a negotiated settlement with a vendor. It is
anticipated that cash expenditures for environmental matters will be
approximately $1.0 million in 1997.
 
     The Company has paid no dividends since the second quarter of 1991 and
cannot forecast when the dividend will be restored.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
            FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--CONTINUED
 
     For 1997, the Company plans to continue to borrow under its Revolving
Credit Agreement and to utilize internally generated funds, including the
receipt of a federal income tax refund, to finance its activities.
 
OTHER
 
     The Company has reviewed the requirements of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of and has concluded that no
charges to income are necessary.
 
     As indicated in Footnote 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the
Company has elected to continue to report compensation by applying the
requirements of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees. The Company has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996       1995        1994          1993          1992
                                                           -------    -------    --------      --------       -------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>            <C>
Net sales..............................................    $96,825    $94,302    $100,096      $105,578       $96,754
Income (loss) before accounting change.................        415     (1,869)     (5,639)       (1,570)       (2,981)
Cumulative effect of accounting change.................      --         --          --            --           (1,813)
Net income (loss)......................................        415     (1,869)     (5,639)       (1,570)       (4,794)(1)
Earnings (loss) per common share before accounting
  change...............................................        .26      (1.18)      (3.56)         (.99)        (1.88)
Cumulative effect of accounting change per common
  share................................................      --         --          --            --            (1.15)
Earnings (loss) per common share.......................        .26      (1.18)      (3.56)         (.99)        (3.03)(1)
Total assets...........................................     55,592     57,659      61,775        59,052        59,662
Net working capital....................................      8,515      6,317       6,968        10,721         8,164
Capital expenditures...................................      2,664      2,095       2,201         1,464         2,166
Long-term debt.........................................        394        518         702         3,030         4,602
Stockholders' equity...................................     17,309     16,893      18,763        24,373        25,943
Stockholders' equity per common share..................      10.93      10.67       11.85         15.42         16.42
Number of employees....................................        345        347         367           388(2)        495
Percentages to net sales:
     Gross margin......................................       23.5       22.5        22.9          23.8          23.7
     Net income (loss).................................         .4       (2.0)       (5.6)         (1.5)         (5.0)(1)
Net income (loss) as a percent of:
     Average total assets..............................         .7       (3.1)       (9.3)         (2.6)         (8.1)(1)
     January 1st stockholders' equity..................        2.5      (10.0)      (23.1)         (6.1)        (15.6)(1)
Current ratio..........................................        1.4        1.3         1.3           1.5           1.4
</TABLE>
 
NOTES FOR SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
(1) Includes a one time charge of $1,812,600 reflecting the adoption of
    Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, Employers' Accounting
    for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions, effective January 1, 1992.
 
(2) At January 1, 1994.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
 
                   PRODUCTS OF THE DETREX GROUP OF COMPANIES
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>                                      <C>
 CHEMICALS DIVISION(1)                            EQUIPMENT DIVISION                       HARVEL PLASTICS, INC.               
 P.O. BOX 1398,                                   325 EMMETT AVENUE,                       P.O. BOX 757,                       
   ASHTABULA, OHIO 44004                          BOWLING GREEN,                           EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA 18042          
 R. D. WYVILL, General Manager                    KENTUCKY 42101                           E. E. WISMER, President             
 N-Methyl Pyrrole and Pyrrole                     D. R. CRANDELL,                          PVC and CPVC Plastic Pipe           
 Semi-conductor Grade                             Division President                       Solid Bar, Heavy Wall Tubular Stock,
   Hydrochloric Acid                              Aqueous and Semi-Aqueous                 Angle Stock, Custom Extrusions      
 Pharmaceutical Intermediates                     Equipment                                SEIBERT-OXIDERMO, INC.              
 (1) Operated by The Elco Corporation             Electronic Component Cleaning            16255 WAHRMAN,                      
 SOLVENTS AND                                     and Defluxing Machines                   ROMULUS, MICHIGAN                   
 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES                           Vapor Degreasers                         48174                               
 DIVISION                                         AUTOMATION DIVISION                      D. A. CHURCH, President             
 24901 NORTHWESTERN HWY,                          24901 NORTHWESTERN HWY,                  Industrial and Automotive Coatings  
      SUITE 512                                   SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN                     Conductive Primers for Rigid and    
   SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN                           48075                                    Flexible Plastics                   
      48075                                       C. K. UTZ, General Manager               Adhesion Promoters for Plastics     
 D. R. CRANDELL, Division President               Automation and Material                  Automotive Parts Enamels            
 Virgin or Recycled Solvents                      Handling Equipment                       Solvent and Water-Borne Coatings    
 Solvent Reclamation and                                                                   THE ELCO CORPORATION                
   Waste Management                                                                        1000 BELT LINE ST.,                 
 RTI LABORATORIES DIVISION                                                                 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44109               
 31628 GLENDALE,                                                                           R. D. WYVILL, President             
   LIVONIA, MICHIGAN                                                                       Petroleum Additives for             
      48050                                                                                Hydraulic Fluids, Industrial        
 J. G. SINGH, General Manager                                                              Gear Oils, Greases and              
 Analytical Laboratory Services                                                            Metalworking Fluids                 
                                             
</TABLE>
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Selected Quarterly Data (Thousands of dollars except per share amounts)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1996 Quarters                                  1995 Quarters
                                    ----------------------------------------       ----------------------------------------
                                      4th        3rd        2nd        1st           4th        3rd        2nd        1st
                                    -------    -------    -------    -------       -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales.......................    $23,453    $25,060    $24,312    $24,000       $21,514    $25,373    $22,643    $24,772
Gross margin on sales...........      5,642      5,616      5,874      5,593         4,561      5,548      5,401      5,730
Net income (loss)...............        256         35        113         11          (970)      (192)      (339)      (368)
Per common share................        .16        .02        .07        .01          (.62)      (.12)      (.21)      (.23)
Stock price range(1)
  High..........................          7          7 1/4      8 1/2      8 3/4         6 3/4      7 1/2      9 1/2     10 1/2
  Low...........................          5 3/4      5 1/4      5          4 3/4         3 1/2      5 3/4      6 3/4      7 1/2
</TABLE>
 
(1) Stock price range was obtained from NASDAQ quotations.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
         DIRECTORS                                             OFFICERS                                       
         <S>                                                   <C>
         BRUCE W. COX                                          W. C. KING                                     
         President, B. W. Cox Company,                         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer           
           Manufacturers Representative                                               
                                                               T. E. MARK                                     
         ROBERT A. EMMETT, III                                 President and Chief Operating Officer          
         Partner, Reed Smith Shaw & McClay,                                               
           Attorneys, Washington, D.C.                         G. J. ISRAEL                                   
                                                               Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and          
         WILLIAM C. KING                                         Chief Financial Officer                      
         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer                                               
                                                               R. M. CURRIE                                   
         JOHN F. MANGOLD                                       Secretary and General Counsel                  
         Manufacturing Consultant                                               
                                                               E. R. RONDEAU                                  
         THOMAS E. MARK                                        Controller                                     
         President and Chief Operating Officer                                               
 
         BENJAMIN W. McCLEARY
         Partner, McFarland Dewey & Co.,
           Investment Bankers, New York City
 
         ARBIE R. THALACKER
         Partner, Shearman & Sterling,
           Attorneys, New York City
 
         JOHN D. WITHROW
         Retired President and Chief Operating Officer,
           Lectron Products Inc.
 
         AUDIT COMMITTEE
         JOHN F. MANGOLD, Chairman
         ARBIE R. THALACKER
         ROBERT A. EMMETT, III
 
         TRANSFER AGENT AND
           REGISTRAR
         STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
 
         AUDITORS
 
         DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

</TABLE>


A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FOR THE YEAR 1996 WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT CHARGE TO
SHAREHOLDERS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST. REQUESTS ARE TO BE SENT TO VICE
PRESIDENT-FINANCE, DETREX CORPORATION, 24901 NORTHWESTERN HWY., SUITE 500,
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN 48075.
<PAGE>   21
 
                               DETREX CORPORATION
 
  GENERAL OFFICES -- 24901 NORTHWESTERN HWY., SUITE 500, SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
                                     48075
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
          MAILING ADDRESS -- P.O. BOX 5111, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48086-5111
 
                           Telephone: (810) 358-5800
                   INTERNET ADDRESS -- http://www.detrex.com