WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES INC
10-K, 1996-08-29
STEEL WORKS, BLAST FURNACES & ROLLING & FINISHING MILLS
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                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
                                  FORM 10 - K
                                       -
             /x/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
              THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

For the fiscal year ended May 31,1996                 Commission File No. 0-4016

                         WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
                         ----------------------------
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

                DELAWARE                                  31-1189815
       ------------------------                ---------------------------------
       (State of Incorporation)                (IRS Employer Identification No.)

                 1205 Dearborn Drive, Columbus, Ohio       43085
              ----------------------------------------   ----------
              (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

                                (614) 438-3210
                          --------------------------
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

       Securities Registered Pursuant To Section 12(b) of the Act: None

          Securities Registered Pursuant To Section 12(g) of the Act:

                             Title of each class:
                             ---------------------
 Common Stock, $.01 par value (90,826,161 shares outstanding at August 8, 1996)

     Indicate by check mark if  disclosure of  delinquent  filers  pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of  Registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive  proxy or  information
statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part III of this  Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.

     Indicate by check mark whether the  Registrant  (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities  Exchange Act of
1934  during the  preceding  12 months (or for such  shorter  period  that the
Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO __

     The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates of
the Registrant at August 8, 1996 was $1,398,150,000  (computed by reference to
the closing price for such shares on such date).

     Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part II.
Portions of the definitive  proxy  statement  furnished to shareholders of the
Registrant in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on
September 19, 1996 are incorporated by reference into Part III.



                                     -1-

<PAGE>



                                    PART I


Item 1.  -  Business.


     Worthington Industries,  Inc. was initially incorporated in Ohio in 1955.
It reincorporated in Delaware in 1986 through a statutory merger.  Worthington
Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries are herein referred to as the "Company."
The Company's  operations  are grouped into three  segments:  processed  steel
products,  custom  products and cast  products.  The  Company's  sales for its
fiscal year ended May 31, 1996 were $1.48 billion.


     The Company,  through its subsidiaries,  is the largest  independent flat
rolled steel processor in the United States.  The Company's  steel  processing
operations  do not  make  steel,  but  rather,  they  purchase  it from  steel
producers  and  then  process  it  to  exact  specifications  for  over  1,700
industrial   customers   primarily  in  the  automotive,   automotive  supply,
appliance, electrical,  communication,  construction, office furniture, office
equipment,  agricultural,  machinery and leisure time industries.  The Company
believes  it offers  the  widest  array of steel  processing  services  in the
industry,  which include  slitting,  roller  leveling,  cold  reduction,  edge
rolling,  blanking,  coating,  annealing,  pickling  and other  services.  The
Company currently operates ten steel processing  facilities (with its eleventh
near  completion) and is a partner in three steel  processing  joint ventures,
most of which are located in the largest steel consuming  region of the United
States.


     For the year ended May 31,  1996,  net sales of the  Company's  processed
steel   products   segment  were   approximately   $1  billion,   representing
approximately 68.5% of the Company's total fiscal year 1996 sales. In addition
to steel  processing,  this  segment  also  includes  the  Company's  pressure
cylinder  business  which  management  believes to be the largest  producer of
portable low pressure  L.P. gas  cylinders  and  refrigerant  gas cylinders in
North America.


     In  February  1996,  the  Company  acquired  Dietrich  Industries,   Inc.
("Dietrich"),  the nation's  largest  producer  and supplier of metal  framing
products for the commercial and residential construction markets.  Dietrich is
a large user of galvanized  steel and services a product market not previously
supplied by the Company.  Dietrich has been  included in the  processed  steel
products segment since its acquisition.


     The  Company's  other  operations  comprise the custom  products and cast
product segments.  Custom products includes Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc.,
one of the ten  largest  plastic  injection  molding  companies  in the United
States, which sells primarily to the automotive, lawn and garden and appliance
industries,  and Worthington Precision Metals, Inc., which supplies components
primarily for automotive transmission,  power steering and brake applications.
The  Company's  cast  products  business  consists  primarily of Buckeye Steel
Castings  Company,  one of the two largest suppliers of large railcar castings
in the United States and the leading North  American  designer and producer of
undercarriages for mass transit cars.


                                     -2-
<PAGE>



     For  information  regarding  the net sales and  revenues,  earnings  from
continuing   operations   before  income  taxes,   and   identifiable   assets
attributable  to  each  segment  for  each of the  last  three  fiscal  years,
reference is made to such  information  appearing on page 24 of the  Company's
annual  report  to  shareholders  for  the  year  ended  May  31,  1996  which
information is incorporated herein by reference.


     See  Note  J  of  the  Notes  to  the  Company's  Consolidated  Financial
Statements,  which are included in Item 8 hereof,  for information  concerning
the Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates.


     The  Company has taken steps  relative to its  investment  in Rouge Steel
Company which will result in the Company accounting for this investment on the
cost method rather than the equity method  effective for its 1997 fiscal year.
Rouge  contributed  $21.7  million,  $32.1  million,  and $19.4 million to the
Company's pre-tax earnings during fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


Processed Steel Products.


     The  Company's  processed  steel  products  segment  includes  its  steel
processing businesses,  its pressure cylinder business and commencing with its
acquisition in February 1996,  the Dietrich  metal framing  business.  For the
fiscal year ended May 31, 1996,  sales of the processed steel products segment
were $1.013 billion, approximately 68.5% of the Company's total sales.


     The Company's  steel  processing  operations  are  conducted  through its
Worthington  Steel Company  subsidiaries  ("Worthington  Steel").  Worthington
Steel occupies a niche in the steel  industry by focusing on more  specialized
products  requiring  more  exact  specifications,  which  typically  cannot be
supplied as  efficiently  by steel mills,  metal service  centers or steel end
users.  Worthington  Steel  is  the  largest  independent  flat  rolled  steel
processor in the United States and operates ten processing facilities,  with a
concentration  in the  Michigan,  Ohio and Indiana  market,  the largest  flat
rolled steel  consuming  market in the United States.  The Company's  eleventh
steel processing  facility,  located in Delta, Ohio, is scheduled for start-up
late in calendar 1996.


     Worthington  Steel buys coils of wide,  open  tolerance  steel from major
integrated  steel mills and  mini-mills  and processes it to the precise type,
thickness,  length, width, shape, temper and surface quality specified by more
than 1,700  industrial  customers,  principally in the automotive,  automotive
supply, appliance, electrical, communications, construction, office furniture,
office  equipment,  agricultural,  machinery and leisure time industries.  The

                                     -3-
<PAGE>


Company purchases and supplies steel based on the specific orders of customers
and does not  typically  process  steel  for  inventory.  Worthington  Steel's
computer-aided  processing  capabilities  include  among others:  pickling,  a
chemical  process  using an acidic  solution  to remove  surface  oxide  which
develops on hot rolled steel;  slitting,  which cuts steel to specific widths;
roller  leveling,  a method of applying  pressure to achieve precise  flatness
tolerances for steel which is cut into exact lengths;  cold  reduction,  which
achieves  close  tolerances of thickness and temper by rolling;  edge rolling,
which conditions the edges of the steel by imparting round,  smooth or knurled
edges; blanking,  through which steel is cut into specific shapes;  coating, a
means of producing painted,  galvanized or nickel plated steel; and annealing,
a  thermal  process  that  changes  the  hardness  and  certain  metallurgical
characteristics of steel.


     Worthington  Steel also "toll  processes"  steel for the steel  mills and
large end users.  Toll  processing  is similar to  Worthington's  normal steel
processing, except the mill or end user retains the title to the steel and has
the  responsibility  for  selling the  product.  Toll  processing  enables the
Company to  participate  in the market for wide sheet steel and large standard
orders,  which is a market  generally  served by steel  mills,  rather than by
intermediate steel processors.


     Steel  processing is highly  competitive.  The Company competes with many
other  intermediate  processors.  The Company  knows of no other  intermediate
processor  which offers the same type and extent of technical  service support
provided by the  Company  relating to  material  testing  and  application  of
material  suited  to  the  particular   needs  of  customers  (see  "Technical
Services").  The Company is unable to gauge,  however, the extent to which its
technical service capability has improved its competitive position.


     On February 5, 1996, the Company acquired Dietrich,  the largest supplier
of metal framing  products for the  commercial  and  residential  construction
markets in the United States.  The Company  believes that Dietrich is the only
national supplier of metal framing products and supplies  approximately 35% of
the metal framing products sold in the United States. Dietrich is a large user
of galvanized  steel and services a product market not previously  supplied by
the Company. Dietrich operates nineteen facilities in eleven states.


     The  Company  believes  Dietrich  to be the  largest  and  only  national
supplier of metal  framing  products in the United  States.  It has five large
regional competitors and numerous small, more localized competitors.


     The Company's processed steel products segment also includes  Worthington
Cylinder Corporation ("Worthington Cylinders"),  the nation's largest producer
of portable  low  pressure  L.P. gas and  refrigerant  cylinders.  Worthington
Cylinders'   primary   products  are  steel  cylinders  with  refrigerant  gas
capacities of 15 to 1,000 lbs. and steel and aluminum  cylinders with L.P. gas

                                     -4-
<PAGE>


capacities of 4-1/4 to 420 lbs.  These  cylinders are designed and produced in
accordance  with safety  requirements  prescribed  by the U.S.  Department  of
Transportation  which  specify  materials,  design  limitations,  and marking,
inspection  and testing  procedures.  The  cylinders are produced by precision
stamping,   deep   drawing  and  welding  of   component   parts  to  customer
specifications. They are then tested, painted and packaged as required.


     The  Company's   refrigerant   cylinders  are  used  primarily  by  major
refrigerant  gas  producers to contain  refrigerant  gases for use in charging
residential,   commercial,   automotive   and  other  air   conditioning   and
refrigeration systems. Reusable steel and aluminum L.P. gas cylinders are sold
to manufacturers of barbecue grills, propane and gas grill distributors,  mass
merchandisers,  and  manufacturers  and users of material  handling,  heating,
cooking and camping  equipment.  The Company  manufactures  other low pressure
cylinder  products,  including  recapture and recycling  tanks for refrigerant
gases,  helium  tanks,  and  cylinders to hold other  gases.  The Company also
produces high pressure acetylene,  industrial,  medical,  halon and electronic
gas cylinders.  While a large  percentage of sales are made to major accounts,
Worthington   Cylinders   has  over  2,000   customers.   It  operates   seven
manufacturing  facilities  located in Ohio,  Oklahoma,  Georgia,  Alabama  and
Ontario.


     The  Company  has two  principal  competitors  in its major low  pressure
cylinder  markets,  of which  management  believes the Company has the largest
share.  The Company also has two  principal  competitors  in its high pressure
cylinder markets, both of which have a larger share than the Company. However,
the Company otherwise has no reliable  information with respect to the size of
any of its various product markets or its relative position therein.


     The largest  customer of the processed steel products  segment is General
Motors   Corporation,   purchasing   through   decentralized   divisions   and
subsidiaries  and  in  different   geographical  areas.  (See  "Marketing  and
Competition").  The loss of General Motors as a customer could have an adverse
effect on the segment,  but the Company has no reason to believe that the loss
of this customer is likely.


     The Company  purchases steel in large  quantities,  at regular  intervals
from major  primary  producers  for its steel  processing,  metal  framing and
pressure  cylinder  operations.  During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996 the
Company's major suppliers were Rouge Steel Company (in which the Company holds
a  minority  equity   position),   AK  Steel   Corporation,   Bethlehem  Steel
Corporation,  LTV Steel Corporation, USX Corporation, WCI Steel, Inc., Weirton
Steel Corporation and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. During the fiscal
year ended May 31,  1996,  the  Company's  major  suppliers  of  aluminum  for
pressure   cylinders  were  Alumax   Aluminum  Sales   Corporation,   Aluminum
Corporation  of  America,  Cressona  Aluminum  Company,  Johnson  Metals,  and
Specialty  Blanks   Incorporated.   Management   believes  that  its  supplier
relationships are good.


                                     -5-
<PAGE>



Custom Products.


     The  Company's  custom  products  segment  includes  its custom  plastics
business  and its  precision  metal  business.  Sales by the  custom  products
segment  totaled $321  million for the year ended May 31,  1996,  representing
approximately  21.7% of the Company's net sales. The Company's custom plastics
business represents the major portion of these sales.


     The Company's custom plastics business is conducted  through  Worthington
Custom  Plastics,  Inc., one of the ten largest  producers of injection molded
plastic products in the United States.  Historically,  sales to the automotive
market have dominated the customs plastic  business,  although in recent years
the Company has  increased  sales to  manufacturers  of  appliances,  lawn and
garden equipment, audio equipment, recreational products, and other items. The
Company  believes  it is now one of the two  largest  suppliers  of  injection
molded plastic parts for non-automotive  uses. Principal custom products are a
variety of custom made injection  molded plastic  components  (both functional
and decorative) which, depending on the customers' needs, can also be painted,
assembled,  silk screened,  vacuum metalized,  hot stamped, roll foiled, vinyl
wrapped,  foamed in-place and/or appliqued by the Company.  Worthington Custom
Plastics operates five plants located in Ohio, Kentucky and South Carolina.


     The Company's  precision metals business is conducted through Worthington
Precision  Metals,  Inc. which supplies metal components  requiring  extremely
precise   tolerances  for  use  primarily  in  the  automotive   industry  for
transmission,  power steering and brake  applications.  This business operates
two facilities located in Ohio and Tennessee.


     The custom  products  segment  relies  heavily on sales to General Motors
Corporation,  The Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation. The loss of any
of these customers could have an adverse effect on the segment but the Company
has no reason to believe that the loss of any of these customers is likely.


     Plastic  resins and bar steel,  the major raw materials  required by this
segment, are available from many sources.


     The Company has numerous  competitors in the sale of its custom products.
This business  competes in its markets by seeking to provide  well-engineered,
quality products within required  delivery terms to meet the specific needs of
its plastic parts and precision metal component customers.


Cast Products.


     The Company's cast products segment  consists  primarily of Buckeye Steel
Castings  Company  ("Buckeye  Steel") which  operates the largest  single site
steel foundry in the United States.  Buckeye Steel manufactures a diverse line
of cast  steel  products  ranging  in size  from  100 lbs.  to 30 tons.  These

                                     -6-
<PAGE>


products  are offered to the  railroad,  mass  transit,  construction  and off
highway  equipment  markets.  The Company believes Buckeye Steel is one of the
two largest  suppliers of large  railcar  castings in the United States and is
the leading North American  designer and producer of  undercarriages  for mass
transit cars. The cast products segment had sales of $144 million for the year
ended May 31, 1996, representing approximately 9.7% of total Company sales.


     In general, there are a number of companies involved in the sale of steel
castings;  however,  there are three major  competitors in the sale of certain
railcar  castings.  The  Company's  cast  products  are  generally  sold under
trademark  which is a stylized  "Circle B", and the Company  utilizes  various
other owned and licensed  trademarks  and patents in connection  with its cast
products.


     Scrap  steel,  the  major  raw  material  required  by the cast  products
segment, is purchased from several sources.  Supplies of scrap steel have been
adequate,  although  pricing in the  market  tends to be  volatile.  Other raw
materials used by this segment are obtained from a number of major suppliers.


Joint Ventures


     The Company is a partner in five unconsolidated joint ventures.


     *    Worthington/Armstrong  Venture  ("WAVE"),  a 50% owned joint venture
          with Armstrong World Industries,  is one of the three leading United
          States  manufacturers of suspended ceiling systems for concealed and
          lay-in panel  ceilings.  WAVE operates  facilities in  Pennsylvania,
          Maryland,  Nevada  and France  and  expects to expand  into China in
          fiscal year 1997.


     *    TWB Company, a 50% owned joint venture Thyssen Stahl of Germany,  is
          located in Monroe, Michigan. It produces laser welded blanks for use
          in the auto industry for products such as inner door frames.


     *    Acerex S.A. de C.V.,  a 50% owned joint  venture  with Hylsa S.A. de
          C.V., is a steel processing company located in Monterrey, Mexico.


     *    Worthington Specialty Processing, a 50% owned joint venture with USX
          Corporation,  operates a plant in Jackson,  Michigan which primarily
          toll processes for USX Corporation.


     *    London Industries, Inc., a 60% owned London, Ohio joint venture with
          Sumitomo and Nissen  Chemitech of Japan,  produces  injection molded
          plastics  parts,   concentrating  on  sales  to  foreign  transplant
          automakers.


                                     -7-
<PAGE>



     See  Note  J  of  the  Notes  to  the  Company's  Consolidated  Financial
Statements for additional  information on these  unconsolidated  affiliates of
the Company.


Investment In Rouge Steel


     The Company also owns a minority  interest  (28%) in Rouge Steel Company,
an integrated  steel mill located in Dearborn,  Michigan.  This  relationship,
along with a long term steel  supply  agreement,  have  assured  the Company a
steady  supply of high  quality  steel at  competitive  prices  in all  market
conditions.  Since  Worthington  acquired its equity  position in 1990,  Rouge
Steel has been the Company's largest steel supplier.


     The  Company has taken steps  relative to its  investment  in Rouge Steel
Company which will result in the Company accounting for this investment on the
cost method rather than the equity method  effective for its 1997 fiscal year.
Under the equity method,  Rouge contributed $21.7 million,  $32.1 million, and
$19.4 million to the Company's  pre-tax  earnings during fiscal 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.


Technical Services.


     The Company  employs a staff of engineers and other  technical  personnel
and maintains  fully-equipped,  modern laboratories to support its operations.
The  facilities  enable the  Company  to  verify,  analyze  and  document  the
physical,  chemical,  metallurgical  and  mechanical  properties  of  its  raw
materials and products.  Technical  service personnel also work in conjunction
with the sales force to  determine  the types of flat  rolled  steel and steel
castings  required for the  particular  needs of the Company's  customers.  In
order to provide such service,  the Company maintains a continuing  program of
developmental  engineering with respect to the characteristics and performance
of its products under varying conditions.  Laboratory facilities are also used
to perform  the  quality  control and  extensive  testing of all low  pressure
cylinders   required  by  the   regulations   of  the  U.  S.   Department  of
Transportation   and  associated   agencies,   as  well  as  varying  customer
requirements.  The Company also maintains a separate  testing facility for its
steel castings operation.


Marketing and Competition.


     The Company's  products and services are sold  primarily by Company sales
personnel.


     As a percentage of the Company's  consolidated sales and revenues,  sales
of steel processing  services  represented 51% for fiscal 1996, 57% for fiscal
1995, and 59% for fiscal 1994; sales of pressure cylinders represented 12% for
1996, 12% for 1995, and 13% for 1994; and sales of custom plastics represented
18% for 1996, 17% in 1995, and 17% in 1994.


                                     -8-
<PAGE>



     During  fiscal  year  ended May 31,  1996,  General  Motors  Corporation,
purchasing  through  decentralized  divisions  and  subsidiaries  in different
geographical  areas,  accounted  for  approximately  14.2%  of  the  Company's
consolidated sales and revenues.


     The  principal  methods of  competition  encountered  by the  Company are
quality of product,  ability to meet delivery  requirements of customers,  and
price.  Geographic  proximity  to  customers  has a  significant  effect  upon
relative ability to meet customer  delivery  schedules and impacts the freight
charge portion of overall  product price.  See also the  information set forth
above as to competition in the various segments.


Environmental Regulation.


     The Company's manufacturing facilities, generally in common with those of
similar industries making similar products, are subject to many federal, state
and local  requirements  relating to the  protection of the  environment.  The
Company continually  examines ways to reduce emissions and waste and to effect
cost  savings  related  to  environmental  compliance.   Management  does  not
anticipate that capital  expenditures  for  environmental  control  facilities
required in order to meet  environmental  requirements  will be material  when
compared with the Company's overall capital expenditures.


Employees.


     The Company employs approximately 10,000 people.


Item 2. - Properties.


     The  Company's  corporate  offices are  located in  Columbus,  Ohio.  Its
principal properties consist of 46 manufacturing  facilities,  excluding those
of  unconsolidated  affiliates  but including the Delta Ohio steel  processing
plant  currently  being  completed.  These  facilities,  all of which are well
maintained and in good operating condition, contain in excess of 8,000,000 sq.
ft. in the aggregate, and are adequate to meet the Company's present needs.


     The  locations  of  these  facilities  are  set  forth  on page 34 of the
Company's annual report to shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996, which
information is incorporated herein by reference.


     See Item 1 under the heading  "Joint  Ventures"  for the  location of the
Company's unconsolidated affiliates.


                                     -9-
<PAGE>



Item 3. - Legal Proceedings.


     The Company's  subsidiary,  Buckeye Steel Castings Company, has agreed to
settle certain  allegations made by Ohio EPA relating to air pollution matters
at its foundry in Columbus,  Ohio. The primary allegations concern (a) alleged
omissions of fugitive dust from the facility,  mainly related to  malfunctions
of its dust collection systems (i.e.  baghouses) in 1989; (b) alleged failures
to obtain  permits in a timely manner,  primarily  related to periods prior to
1990;  and (c) alleged  failures in prior  years to use  reasonably  available
control  measures to collect  dust inside its  facility.  Although the Company
disputes the alleged violations, it has elected to settle the matter and avoid
costly litigation.


     Under the terms of the  settlement,  the  Company has agreed to (i) pay a
cash settlement of $275,000; (b) make a contribution to the Ohio Department of
Natural  Resources of $65,000;  and (c) undertake  credit  projects  primarily
related to the  replacement  and upgrading of an old dust  collection  system,
which  credit   projects  will  involve   capital   expenditures   aggregating
approximately $1 million over the Company's next two fiscal years.


Item 4. - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

     Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant.


     The following table lists the names,  positions held, and ages of all the
executive officers of the Company:

                                                                 Present
                                                                 Office
Name                   Age    Positions with the Company        Held Since
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John H. McConnell      73     Chairman of the Board
                              and Director                             1955

John P. McConnell      42     Vice Chairman, Chief Executive
                              Officer and Director                     1993

Donald G. Barger, Jr.  53     Vice President-Finance and
                              Chief Financial Officer                  1993

Robert J. Borel        53     Vice President-Engineering               1985

William S. Dietrich    58     President of Dietrich Industries
                              Inc., a subsidiary of the Company
                              and Director                             1996

Edward A. Ferkany      59     Vice President-Processed Steel           1985

Thomas L. Hockman      52     Vice President-Personnel                 1993


                                     -10-
<PAGE>


Robert J. Klein        59     Executive Vice President-Marketing
                              and Planning and Director                1985

Pete A. Klisares       60     Executive Vice President
                              and Director                             1993

Donal H. Malenick      57     President, Chief Operating
                              Officer and Director                     1976

Charles D. Minor       69     Secretary and Director                   1955


     The principal employment of Donal H. Malenick, Robert J. Klein, Robert J.
Borel and  Edward  A.  Ferkany  for more than the last five  years has been in
their  present  capacity  with  the  Company.  William  S.  Dietrich  has been
President of Dietrich Industries for more than the last five years.


     John H.  McConnell was also Chief  Executive  Officer of the Company from
its  founding  in 1955  until June 1, 1993 at which time he retired as CEO and
remained Chairman of the Board.


     John P. McConnell's  principal  occupation for more than five years prior
to July 1990 had been in various capacities with the Company. In July 1990, he
resigned his employment with the Company to become  President of JMAC, Inc., a
private  holding  company.  John P. McConnell was elected Vice Chairman of the
Company in June 1992 and became Chief Executive Officer as of June 1, 1993.


     Donald G. Barger, Jr. was Vice  President-Corporate  Controller for B. F.
Goodrich  Company for more than five years prior to  September  1993,  when he
became Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.


     Thomas L. Hockman was Assistant Treasurer and Manager of Compensation and
Benefits  for the  Company  for more than five years  prior to  becoming  Vice
President-Personnel in January 1993.


     Pete A. Klisares was Manufacturing Vice President and General Manager for
AT&T for more than five  years  prior to May 1991 and  Executive  Director  of
JMAC,  Inc. from May 1991 through  December  1991. He became  Assistant to the
Chairman  of the  Company  in  December  1991  and was  named  Executive  Vice
President effective August 1993.


     Charles D. Minor was a partner in the law firm of Vorys,  Sater,  Seymour
and Pease,  counsel to the Company,  for more than five years prior to January
1993. In January 1993 he became counsel to that firm.


     Executive  officers  serve  at the  pleasure  of the  directors.  John H.
McConnell  is the  father  of John P.  McConnell.  There  are no other  family
relationships  among the executive officers of the Company. No arrangements or
understandings  exist  pursuant  to which any  person  has been,  or is to be,
selected as an officer.


                                     -11-
<PAGE>


                                    PART II


Item 5. - Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

     The  information  called for by this Item 5 is  incorporated by reference
herein  from the  information  set  forth on pages 32 and 33 of the  Company's
annual report to shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996.

Item 6. - Selected Financial Data.


     The  information  called for by this Item 6 is  incorporated by reference
herein from the  information  presented  for each of the  Company's  five most
recent fiscal years under "Eleven Year Selected  Financial  Data" set forth on
pages 30 and 31 of the Company's  annual report to  shareholders  for the year
ended May 31, 1996.


Item 7. -  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and
Results of Operations.


     The  information  called for by this Item 7 is  incorporated by reference
herein from  "Management's  Discussion and Analysis" set forth on pages 18, 19
and 20 of the Company's  annual report to shareholders  for the year ended May
31, 1996.


Item 8. - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


     The  following   consolidated   financial   statements   of   Worthington
Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries and Report of Independent Auditors, included
in the  Company's  annual  report to  shareholders  for the year ended May 31,
1996, on pages 20 through 29 thereof are incorporated herein by reference.


               Consolidated Balance Sheets--May 31, 1996 and 1995


               Consolidated  Statements of Earnings--Years ended May 31, 1996,
          1995 and 1994


               Consolidated  Statements of Shareholders'  Equity--Years  ended
          May 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


               Consolidated  Statements  of Cash  Flows--Years  ended  May 31,
          1996, 1995 and 1994


               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


               Report of Independent Auditors


                                     -12-
<PAGE>



Item 9. - Changes in and  Disagreements  with  Accountants  on Accounting  and
Financial Disclosure.


     Not applicable.

                                   PART III

Item 10. - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.


     In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information  required by
this Item 10 is incorporated  by reference  herein from the material under the
heading  "Election  of  Directors"  contained  on  pages  2  through  6 of the
Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission relating to the
Company's annual meeting of shareholders to be held on September 19, 1996. The
information  regarding  Executive  Officers required by Item 401 of Regulation
S-K is  included in Part I hereof  under an  appropriate  caption.  Disclosure
required  under Item 405 of Regulation  S-K is included on page 6 of the proxy
statement.


Item 11. - Executive Compensation.


     In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information  required by
this  Item  11 is  incorporated  by  reference  herein  from  the  information
contained  in  the  Company's   definitive  proxy  statement  filed  with  the
Commission relating to the Company's annual meeting of shareholders to be held
on September 19, 1996 under the heading  "Election of Directors - Compensation
of  Directors"  on  page 5 and  under  the  heading  "Executive  Compensation"
"Summary of Cash and Certain  Other  Compensation"  on pages 7 and 8,  "Option
Grants" on page 8, and "Option Exercises and Holdings" on page 8.


Item 12. - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.


     In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information  required by
this Item 12 is incorporated  by reference  herein from the material under the
headings "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof - Security Ownership
of Certain  Beneficial Owners" contained on page 2 and "Election of Directors"
contained on pages 2 through 6 of the  Company's  definitive  proxy  statement
filed  with  the  Commission  relating  to the  Company's  annual  meeting  of
shareholders to be held on September 19, 1996.


Item 13. - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.


     In accordance with General Instruction G(3), the information  required by
this Item 13 is incorporated  by reference  herein from the material under the
heading  "Election  of  Directors"  contained  on  pages  2  through  5 of the
Company's definitive proxy statement filed with the Commission relating to the
Company's annual meeting of shareholders to be held on September 19, 1996.

                                     -13-
<PAGE>



                                    PART IV


Item 14. - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.


(a)(1) and (2)      The  response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a
                    separate  section of this  report--See  List of  Financial
                    Statements and Financial  Statement  Schedules on page F-1
                    of this report.                                           
                    
                    


   (3)              Listing of  Exhibits--See  Index to Exhibits  beginning on
                    page  E-1  of  this   report.   The   index  to   exhibits
                    specifically   identifies  each  management   contract  or
                    compensatory  plan  required  to be filed as an Exhibit to
                    this Form 10-K.                                           
                    
                    


(b)  A Form  8-K(A)  dated  April  19,  1996 was filed as  Amendment  No. 1 to
     Registrant's  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 1996 to amend
     Item 7 and includes the following financial statements and information:


     Financial Statements--Dietrich Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries.
          Independent Auditors' Report
          Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1995
          Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings -
             Year Ended December 31, 1995
          Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Year Ended December 31, 1995
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


     Unaudited Pro Form Financial Information--Worthington Industries, Inc.
          Pro Forma Condensed  Consolidated Statement of Earnings - Year Ended
          May 31, 1995
          Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings - Nine months
          ended February 29, 1996
          Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


(c)  Exhibits filed with this report are attached hereto.


(d)  Financial Statement Schedules--The response to this portion of Item 14 is
     submitted  as a separate  section of this  report--See  List of Financial
     Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on Page F-1.


                                     -14-
<PAGE>




                                  SIGNATURES


     Pursuant  to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934,  the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                                  WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.


Date:  August 29, 1996                   By:  /s/Donal H. Malenick
                                              ____________________________
                                              Donal H. Malenick, President

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report  has been  signed  below by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

    SIGNATURE                  DATE                TITLE
   -----------                ------              -------


          *                      *         Director, Chairman of the Board
John H. McConnell

          *                      *         Director, Vice Chairman,
John P. McConnell                          Chief Executive Officer

/s/Donal H. Malenick          8/29/96      Director, President,
Donal H. Malenick                          Chief Operating Officer

          *                      *         Director, Executive Vice
Pete A. Klisares                           President

          *                      *         Vice President-Finance,
Donald G. Barger, Jr.                      Chief Financial Officer

          *                      *         Director, Secretary
Charles D. Minor

          *                      *         Director
William S. Dietrich

          *                      *         Director
Charles R. Carson


                                     -15-
<PAGE>


          *                      *         Director
John E. Fisher

          *                      *         Director
John F. Havens

          *                      *         Director
Katherine S. LeVeque

          *                      *         Director
Robert B. McCurry

          *                      *         Director
Gerald B. Mitchell

          *                      *         Director
James Petropoulos




*By:  /s/Donal H. Malenick               Date: 8/29/96
      __________________________
      Donal H. Malenick
      Attorney-In-Fact




                                     -16-

<PAGE>



                           ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10K
                    ITEM 14 (a) (1) AND (2) AND ITEM 14 (d)
                 WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
        LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


The following  consolidated  financial  statements of Worthington  Industries,
Inc., and Subsidiaries, included in the annual report of the registrant to its
shareholders for the year ended May 31, 1996, are incorporated by reference in
Item 8:


Consolidated Balance Sheets -- May 31, 1996 and 1995

Consolidated Statements of Earnings -- Years ended May 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Consolidated  Statements of Shareholders'  Equity -- Years ended May 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994

Consolidated  Statements  of Cash Flows -- Years ended May 31, 1996,  1995 and
1994

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The  following  consolidated  financial  statement  schedules  of  Worthington
Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries are included in Item 14 (d):


Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts


All other schedules for which  provision is made in the applicable  accounting
regulation of the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission are not required under
the related instructions or are inapplicable, therefore have been omitted.


                                     F-1

<PAGE>
<TABLE>

               SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                 WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      COL. A                           COL.B                 COL.C                   COL.D              COL.E
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Additions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Balance at   (1)Charged to   (2) Charged      Deductions -     Balance at End
    DESCRIPTION                     Beginning of     Cost and      to Other        Describe         of Period
                                      Period         Expenses      Accounts -
                                                                   Describe
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>             <C>          <C>               <C>               <C>       
Year Ended May 31, 1996:
  Deducted from asset accounts:
    Allowance for possible
      losses on trade accounts
      receivable                      $2,397,000      $355,199     $750,000 (A)      $724,199(B)       $2,778,000
                                     =============================================================================

Year Ended May 31, 1995:

  Deducted from asset accounts:
    Allowance for possible
      losses on trade accounts
      receivable                      $2,535,000      $881,866            $0       $1,019,866(B)       $2,397,000
                                     =============================================================================

Year Ended May 31, 1994:

  Deducted from asset accounts:
    Allowance for possible
      losses on trade accounts
      receivable                      $2,351,000      $339,172            $0         $155,172(B)       $2,535,000
                                     =============================================================================

Note A -  Amount from Dietrich acquisition.
Note B -  Uncollectible  accounts charged
          to the allowance.

</TABLE>
                                     F-2

<PAGE>



Exhibit
Number                 Description


3(a)      Certificate of Incorporation  Incorporated herein by reference to
          of Worthington Industries,    Exhibit 3 of the Company's Annual
          Inc.                          Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter
                                        ended August 31, 1994

3(b)      Bylaws of Worthington         Incorporated herein by reference to
          Industries, Inc.              Exhibit 3(b) of the Company's Annual
                                        Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                                        year ended May 31, 1992

4(a)      Form of Indenture dated as    Incorporated herein by reference to
          of ______, 1996 between       Exhibit 4 of the Company's
          the Company and PNC Bank,     Registration Statement on Form S-3
          Ohio, National Association,   filed May 2, 1996 (Registration No.
          as Trustee, relating to up    333-03087)
          to $450,000,000 of debt
          securities

4(b)      Form of 7-1/8% Notes due
          2007

4(c)      Agreement to furnish
          instruments defining rights
          of holders of long-term debt

10(a)     Amended 1980 Stock Option     Incorporated here by reference to
          Plan, as amended*             Annex B to the Prospectus filed as
                                        part of Post-Effective Amendment No.
                                        1 to the Company's Registration
                                        Statement on Form S-8 (Registration
                                        No. 2-80094)

10(b)     1990 Stock Option Plan*       Incorporated herein by reference to
                                        Exhibit 10(d) of the Company's Annual
                                        Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                                        year ended May 31, 1991.

10(c)     Executive Deferred            Incorporated herein by reference to
          Compensation Plan*            Exhibit 10(e) of the Company's Annual
                                        Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                                        year ended May 31, 1984

10(d)     Deferred Compensation Plan    Incorporated herein by reference to
          for Directors*                Exhibit 10(f) of the Company's Annual
                                        Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
                                        year ended May 31, 1984

13        Portions of 1996 Annual
          Report to security holders
          incorporated by reference 
          into Form 10-K

21        Subsidiaries of the Company

23(b)     Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

24        Powers of Attorney


                                     E-1
<PAGE>



27        Financial Data Schedule


                                      E-2
<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT 4(b)


                         Form of 7-1/8% Notes due 2007



<PAGE>


                                     NOTE


UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR THE  INDIVIDUAL  DEBT
SECURITIES  REPRESENTED  HEREBY,  THIS GLOBAL  SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED
EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE  DEPOSITARY  TO A NOMINEE OF THE  DEPOSITARY  OR BY A
NOMINEE  OF THE  DEPOSITARY  TO  THE  DEPOSITARY  OR  ANOTHER  NOMINEE  OF THE
DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR  DEPOSITARY
OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY


Unless this  certificate is presented by an authorized  representative  of the
Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC"), to the Issuer or its
agent for registration of transfer,  exchange, or payment, and any certificate
issued is  registered  in the name of Cede & Co. or in such  other  name as is
requested by an authorized  representative  of DTC (and any payment is made to
Cede  &  Co.  or  to  such  other  entity  as is  requested  by an  authorized
representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE  BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL  inasmuch as the  registered  owner
hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.


                         WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.


                         7-1/8% Note Due May 15, 2006


CUSIP No. 981811AB8                                               $150,000,000
No. ___


     Worthington  Industries,  Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing
under the laws of the State of Delaware  (herein  called the  "Issuer",  which
term includes any successor  Person under the Indenture  hereinafter  referred
to) as obligor,  for value received,  hereby promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or
registered assigns,  the principal sum of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION and 00/100
DOLLARS on May 15,  2006,  and to pay interest  thereon from May 24, 1996,  or
from the most recent interest  payment date to which interest has been paid or
duly  provided  for,  semi-annually  on May 15 and  November  15 in each year,
commencing  November  15,  1996,  at the rate of 7-1/8% per  annum,  until the
principal hereof is paid or made available for payment.  The Issuer shall also
pay interest on overdue  principal or  installments  of interest at such rate.
The interest so payable,  and  punctually  paid or duly  provided  for, on any
interest  payment  date will,  as provided in such  Indenture,  be paid to the
Person in whose name this Debt Security is registered at the close of business
on the  record  date for such  interest,  which  shall be May 1 or  November 1
(whether  or not a business  day),  as the case may be,  next  preceding  such
interest payment date. Any interest on this Debt Security which is


                                     E-4

<PAGE>



payable,  but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in
the manner  provided in the Debt Security and such Indenture  shall  forthwith
cease to be payable to the  Registered  Holder  hereof on the relevant  record
date, and such  Defaulted  Interest may be paid by the Issuer to the Person in
whose name this Debt  Security  is  registered  at the close of  business on a
special record date for the payment of such Defaulted  Interest to be fixed by
the Trustee,  notice whereof shall be given to the Holder hereof not less than
10 days prior to such  special  record  date,  or may be paid by the Issuer on
this Debt  Security  in any other  lawful  manner  not  inconsistent  with the
requirements  of any  securities  exchange on which this Debt  Security may be
listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange,  all as more
fully provided in said Indenture.


     As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations  therein
set forth,  payment of  interest  on this Debt  Security  shall be made at the
corporate  trust  office of the  Trustee,  or at the option of the Issuer,  by
check  mailed to the  address of the Person  entitled  hereto as such  address
shall  appear  in  the  Debt  Security  Register,  or,  at the  option  of the
Registered Holder by wire transfer to an account  designated by the Registered
Holder,  in such coin or  currency  of the United  States of America as at the
time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.


     This Debt Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the
Issuer (herein called the "Debt  Securities"),  issued and to be issued in one
or more series under an Indenture, dated as of May 15, 1996 (herein called the
"Indenture",  which  term  shall  have  the  meaning  assigned  to it in  such
instrument),  between the Issuer and PNC Bank, Ohio,  National  Association as
Trustee  (herein  called the  "Trustee",  which term  includes  any  successor
trustee  under the  Indenture),  and reference is hereby made to the Indenture
for a statement of the  respective  rights,  limitation of rights,  duties and
immunities thereunder of the Issuer, the Trustee and the Registered Holders of
the Debt  Securities and of the terms upon which the Debt  Securities are, and
are to be,  authenticated  and  delivered.  This Debt  Security  is one of the
series designated on the face hereof.


     This Debt Security is not subject to redemption and is not callable prior
to maturity.


     The  Indenture  contains  provisions  for  defeasance  at any time of the
entire indebtedness of this Debt Security or certain restrictive covenants and
Events  of  Default  with  respect  to this Debt  Security,  in each case upon
compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture. Such provisions
shall be applicable to this Debt Security.


                                     E-5

<PAGE>



     If an Event of Default with respect to this Debt Security shall occur and
be  continuing,  the  principal of and  interest on this Debt  Security may be
declared  due and  payable in the manner and with the effect  provided  in the
Indenture.


     The  Indenture  permits,  with certain  exceptions  as therein  provided,
without  notice to any Holder but with the consent of Holders of not less than
a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of
each  series  affected  by such  supplemental  Indenture,  the Company and the
Trustee at any time to enter into an Indenture or  supplemental  Indenture for
the  purpose  of  adding  any  provisions  to or  changing  in any  manner  or
eliminating  any of the  provisions  of the  Indenture or of any  supplemental
Indenture  or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Debt
Securities of such series. The Indenture also permits, with certain exceptions
as therein  provided,  prior to the  acceleration  of the maturity of the Debt
Securities of any series,  the Holders of specified  percentages  in aggregate
principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding
may on behalf of the Holders of all the Debt  Securities  of that series waive
any past  Default or Event of Default  and its  consequences  for that  series
specified  in the terms  thereof.  Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of
this Debt Security  shall be conclusive  and binding upon such Holder and upon
all future Holders of this Debt Security and of any Debt Security  issued upon
the registration of transfer hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation
of such consent or waiver is made upon this Debt Security.


     As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder
of this Debt  Security  shall not have the right to  institute  any  action or
proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, upon or under or
with  respect  to the  Indenture,  or for the  appointment  of a  receiver  or
trustee,  or for any other remedy  thereunder,  unless such Holder  previously
shall have given to the  Trustee  written  notice of an Event of Default  with
respect to the Debt Securities of this series and of the  continuance  thereof
and unless the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate  principal  amount of
the Outstanding Debt Securities of this series shall have made written request
upon the Trustee to institute  such action or  proceedings  in respect of such
Event of Default in its own name as Trustee  thereunder and shall have offered
to the Trustee such reasonable  indemnity,  and the Trustee, for 60 days after
its receipt of such notice,  request and offer of indemnity  shall have failed
to institute any such action or proceedings and no direction inconsistent with
such written  request shall have been given to the Trustee by the Holders of a
majority in aggregate  principal  amount of the Debt Securities of this series
at the time Outstanding.  The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted
by the Holder of this Debt  Security  for the  enforcement  of any  payment of
principal  hereof or  interest  hereon on or after  the  respective  due dates
expressed herein.


                                     E-6
<PAGE>


     No  reference  herein  to the  Indenture  and no  provision  of this Debt
Security  or other  Indenture  shall  alter or impair  the  obligation  of the
Issuer,  which is absolute  and  unconditional,  to pay the  principal  of and
interest on this Debt Security at the times,  place and rate,  and in the coin
or currency, herein prescribed.


     As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations  therein
set forth,  the  transfer  of this Debt  Security is  registrable  in the Debt
Security  Register,  upon surrender of this Debt Security for  registration of
transfer at the office or agency of the Issuer in any Place of  Payment,  duly
endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in
form  satisfactory to the Issuer,  the Trustee and the Registrar duly executed
by the  Registered  Holder or his attorney  duly  authorized  in writing,  and
thereupon  the Issuer shall  execute and the Trustee  shall  authenticate  and
deliver in the name of the  transferee  or  transferees a new Debt Security or
Debt  Securities of authorized  denominations  for a like aggregate  principal
amount.


     The Debt  Securities of this series are issuable only in registered  form
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral  multiple thereof.
As provided in the  Indenture and subject to certain  limitations  therein set
forth, Debt Securities of this series are exchangeable in whole or in part for
a like  aggregate  principal  amount of Debt  Securities of this series and of
like tenor and terms of a different authorized  denomination,  as requested by
the Holder surrendering the same.


     As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain  limitations  therein
set  forth,  no  service  charge  shall be made for any such  registration  of
transfer  of Debt  Securities,  but the  Issuer may  require  payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other  governmental  charge that may be imposed
in relation thereto.


     Prior to due  presentation  for  registration  of  transfer  of this Debt
Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any payment agent or any Registrar may deem
and treat the Person in whose name this Debt  Security  is  registered  as the
absolute  owner hereof for all purposes,  whether or not this Debt Security be
overdue,  and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, any payment agent or Registrant
shall be affected by notice to the contrary.


     All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture  shall
have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.


     Unless the certificate of authentication  hereon has been executed by the
Trustee  referred to herein by manual  signature,  this Security  shall not be
entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory  for any
purpose.

                                     E-7
<PAGE>



     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Issuer has caused  this  instrument  to be duly
executed under its corporate seal.


Dated:  May 24, 1996
                                                  WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.



                                             By: /s/Donald G. Barger, Jr.
                                                 _______________________________
                                                 Donald G. Barger, Jr.,
                                                 Vice President and
                                                 Chief Financial Officer




                                             By: /s/Dale T. Brinkman
                                                 _______________________________
                                                 Dale T. Brinkman,
                                                 Assistant Secretary


                             ____________________


                    TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

     This is one of the  Debt  Securities  of the  series  designated  therein
referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                          PNC Bank, Ohio, National Association
                                          As Trustee



                                       By: _____________________________________
                                           Authorized Signature



                                     E-8

<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT 4(c)

 Agreement to furnish instruments defining rights of holders of long-term debt





                                     E-9


<PAGE>

                                                               August 29, 1996






Securities and Exchange Commission
Judiciary Plaza
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

                   Re:  Worthington Industries, Inc. - Form 10-K

Gentlemen:

                   Worthington  Industries,  Inc., a Delaware corporation,  is
today executing a Form 10-K, Annual Report.

                   Pursuant  to the  instructions  relating  to the  Exhibits,
Worthington Industries,  Inc. hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon
request,  copies of instruments and agreements  defining the rights of holders
of  its  long-term  debt  and  of  the  long-term  debt  of  its  consolidated
subsidiaries.

                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                  WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                                  /s/Donal H. Malenick
                                                  ____________________________
                                                  Donal H. Malenick
                                                  President

Enclosures

                                     E-10



<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 13


              PORTIONS OF 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS
                   INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO FORM 10-K




                                     E-11


<PAGE>


<TABLE>


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands, except per share            Year Ended May 31          1996           1995           1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES

<S>                                                              <C>            <C>            <C>        
Net sales                                                        $ 1,477,838    $ 1,483,569    $ 1,285,134
Cost of goods sold                                                 1,256,574      1,244,633      1,093,350
                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------
                             Gross Margin                            221,264        238,936        191,784
Selling, general and administrative expense                           95,123         85,102         72,372
                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------
                             Operating Income                        126,141        153,834        119,412
Other income (expense):
   Miscellaneous income                                                  950            573            389
   Interest expense                                                   (8,350)        (6,036)        (3,017)
   Equity in net income of
      affiliates - Joint Ventures                                      7,333          6,216           (555)
   Equity in net income of
      affiliate - Rouge                                               21,729         32,111         19,406
                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------
                             Earnings Before Income Taxes            147,803        186,698        135,635
Income taxes                                                          56,461         70,012         50,782
                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------
EARNINGS
                             Net Earnings                        $    91,342    $   116,686    $    84,853
                                                                 ===========    ===========    ===========
                             Average Common Shares Outstanding        90,812         90,730         90,378

EARNINGS
PER SHARE
                             Earnings Per Share                  $      1.01    $      1.29    $       .94
                                                                 ===========    ===========    ===========


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                 Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

</TABLE>

                                     E-11

<PAGE>

<TABLE>



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars in thousands, except for per share                      1996         1995          1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>      
COMMON SHARES

Balance at beginning of year                                  $     908    $     906    $     601

Sale of common shares under stock option plan,
   (116,051 in 1996; 198,144 in 1995; 375,155 in 1994)                1            2            4
Par value of shares issued in connection with share split          --           --            301
Purchase and retirement of common shares,
   (216,500 in 1996; 1,436 in 1994)                                  (1)        --           --
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Balance at May 31                $     908    $     908    $     906
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
ADDITIONAL
PAID-IN CAPITAL

Balance at beginning of year                                  $ 102,733    $  96,427    $  81,250
Sale of common shares under stock option plan,
   (116,051 in 1996; 198,144 in 1995; 375,155 in 1994)            1,549        2,569        3,875
Sale of shares under dividend reinvestment plan,
   (90,561 in 1996; 81,102 in 1995; 74,101 in 1994)               1,820        1,664        1,471
Par value of shares issued in connection with share split          --           --           (301)
Transactions of unconsolidated affiliate                             10        2,073       10,134
Purchase and retirement of common shares,
   (216,500 in 1996; 1,436 in 1994)                                (243)        --             (2)

                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Balance at May 31                $ 105,869    $ 102,733    $  96,427
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
MINIMUM PENSION
LIABILITY

Balance at beginning of year                                  $    (871)   $  (1,674)   $    (230)
Transactions of unconsolidated affiliate                            682          803       (1,444)
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Balance at May 31                $    (189)   $    (871)   $  (1,674)
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
TRANSLATION
ADJUSTMENT

Balance at beginning of year                                  $    (146)        --           --
Foreign currency translation adjustment                          (1,102)   $    (146)        --
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Balance at May 31                $  (1,248)   $    (146)        --
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance at beginning of year                                  $ 487,708    $ 408,234    $ 356,567
Net earnings                                                     91,342      116,686       84,853
Cash dividends declared:
   (per share: $.450 in 1996; $.410 in 1995; $.367 in 1994)     (40,872)     (37,212)     (33,161)
Purchase and retirement of common shares,
   (216,500 in 1996; 1,436 in 1994)                              (3,978)        --            (25)
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------
                             Balance at May 31                $ 534,200    $ 487,708    $ 408,234
                                                              ---------    ---------    ---------

</TABLE>
                                     E-12

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                 Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries



<TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dollars in thousands                           May 31          1996         1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
<S>                                                       <C>            <C>      
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents                               $    19,029    $   2,003
  Accounts receivable, less allowances of
     $2,778 and $2,397 at May 31, 1996 and 1995               224,956      216,443
  Inventories
    Raw materials                                             128,884      142,738
    Work in process and finished products                      79,141       58,140
                                                          -----------    ---------
                                                              208,025      200,878
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                    24,031       32,578
                                                          -----------    ---------
           Total Current Assets                               476,041      451,902

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates                       138,212      104,764
Intangible Assets                                              65,256         --
Other Assets                                                   28,280       25,381

Property, Plant and Equipment
  Land                                                         20,658       11,383
  Buildings                                                   154,774      122,073
  Machinery and equipment                                     528,965      427,927
  Construction in progress                                     88,877       27,903
                                                          -----------    ---------
                                                              793,274      589,286
  Less accumulated depreciation                               280,938      254,369
                                                          -----------    ---------
                                                              512,336      334,917
                                                          -----------    ---------
           Total Assets                                   $ 1,220,125    $ 916,964
                                                          ===========    =========


LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable                                        $    82,178    $  87,329
  Notes payable                                                  --         38,200
  Accrued compensation, contributions to
    employee benefit plans and related taxes                   33,234       31,741
  Dividends payable                                            10,901        9,992
  Other accrued items                                          17,652        8,597
  Income taxes                                                  5,829        2,709
  Current maturities of long-term debt                          1,475          660
                                                          -----------    ---------
           Total Current Liabilities                          151,269      179,228

Other Liabilities                                              17,912       18,055

Long-Term Debt                                                298,742       53,476

Deferred Income Taxes                                         112,662       75,873

Contingent Liabilities --  Note G



EQUITY

Shareholders' Equity
  Preferred shares, $1.00 par value, authorized--
    1,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding--none               --           --
  Common shares, $.01 par value, authorized --
    150,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding--
    1996 --90,830,440 shares; 1995 --90,840,328 shares            908          908
  Additional paid-in capital                                  105,869      102,733
  Minimum pension liability of unconsolidated affiliate          (189)        (871)
  Foreign currency translation adjustment                      (1,248)        (146)
  Retained earnings                                           534,200      487,708
                                                          -----------    ---------
                                                              639,540      590,332
                                                          -----------    ---------
           Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity     $ 1,220,125    $ 916,964
                                                          ===========    =========

</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                 Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries


                                     E-14
<PAGE>

<TABLE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands                        Year Ended May 31             1996         1995        1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>     
Net earnings                                                  $  91,342    $ 116,686    $ 84,853
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
   by operating activities:
   Depreciation                                                  39,222       34,129      32,385
   Gain on sale of short-term investments                          --           --          (911)
   Provision for deferred income taxes                           10,355       15,541       7,911
   Equity in undistributed net income of
        unconsolidated affiliates                               (25,153)     (37,847)    (19,345)
   Changes in assets and liabilities:
       Accounts receivable                                       13,456      (26,702)    (20,886)
       Inventories                                               35,175      (15,996)    (25,895)
       Prepaid expenses and other current assets                  2,443       (7,418)     (6,460)
       Other assets                                              (1,951)         554      (6,576)
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    (25,990)     (11,156)      4,001
       Other liabilities                                           (457)      (1,390)     11,777
                                                              ---------    ---------    --------
           Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities            138,442       66,401      60,854

INVESTING ACTIVITIES


  Investment in property, plant and equipment, net             (108,996)     (61,485)    (46,554)
  Acquisition of Dietrich Industries, net of cash acquired     (169,391)        --          --
  Investments in unconsolidated affiliates                       (8,315)     (10,857)       --
  Other, net                                                       --           --         1,287
                                                              ---------    ---------    --------
           Net Cash Used By Investing Activities               (286,702)     (72,342)    (45,267)



FINANCING ACTIVITIES


  Proceeds from (payments on) short-term borrowings             (38,200)      28,200      10,000
  Proceeds from long-term debt                                  424,774       27,000        --
  Principal payments on long-term debt                         (180,473)     (28,490)     (1,165)
  Proceeds from issuance of common shares                         3,370        4,235       5,350
  Repurchase of common shares                                    (4,222)        --           (27)
  Dividends paid                                                (39,963)     (36,276)    (33,161)
                                                              ---------    ---------    --------
           Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities     165,286       (5,331)    (19,003)
                                                              ---------    ---------    --------
Increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                  17,026      (11,272)     (3,416)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                    2,003       13,275      16,691
                                                              ---------    ---------    --------
           Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year           $  19,029    $   2,003    $ 13,275
                                                              =========    =========    ========

</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                 Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries


                                     E-15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

INDUSTRY SEGMENT DATA

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands                        May 31            1996              1995              1994              1993             1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALES
<S>                                               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>      
Net Sales
    Processed steel products                      $ 1,013,099       $ 1,028,326       $   920,199       $   767,682       $ 668,578
    Custom products                                   321,013           302,096           249,459           241,916         217,731
    Cast products                                     143,726           153,147           115,476           103,644          85,037
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------
                                                  $ 1,477,838       $ 1,483,569       $ 1,285,134       $ 1,113,242       $ 971,346
                                                  ===========       ===========       ===========       ===========       =========

EARNINGS

Operating Income
    Processed steel products                      $    93,379       $   112,390       $    98,062       $    79,187       $  70,317
    Custom products                                    18,200            19,754            15,334            20,360          13,948
    Cast products                                      14,562            21,690             6,016             6,544           4,092
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------
                                                      126,141           153,834           119,412           106,091          88,357
    Miscellaneous income                                  950               573               389               598           1,289
    Interest expense                                   (8,350)           (6,036)           (3,017)           (3,421)         (3,986)
    Equity in net income of
        unconsolidated affiliates                      29,062            38,327            18,851             4,587           5,440
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------
                                                  $   147,803       $   186,698       $   135,635       $   107,855       $  91,100
                                                  ===========       ===========       ===========       ===========       =========

ASSETS

Identifiable Assets
    Processed steel products                      $   758,836       $   507,073       $   471,458       $   428,891       $ 410,051
    Custom products                                   178,679           165,619           138,015           117,856         105,483
    Cast products                                      71,225            78,099            75,733            69,843          62,350
    Corporate                                          73,173            61,409            61,406            59,674          41,273
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------
                                                    1,081,913           812,200           746,612           676,264         619,157
    Investment in unconsolidated
        affiliates                                    138,212           104,764            51,961            17,945           8,803
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------

                                                  $ 1,220,125       $   916,964       $   798,573       $   694,209       $ 627,960
                                                  ===========       ===========       ===========       ===========       =========
DEPRECIATION

Depreciation Expense
    Processed steel products                      $    22,054       $    19,041       $    19,075       $    17,745       $  15,927
    Custom products                                    10,330             8,710             7,047             5,598           5,233
    Cast products                                       4,647             4,362             4,095             3,900           3,879
    Corporate                                           2,191             2,016             2,168             1,961           1,848
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------

                                                  $    39,222       $    34,129       $    32,385       $    29,204       $  26,887
                                                  ===========       ===========       ===========       ===========       =========
EXPENDITURES

Capital Expenditures
    Processed steel products                      $    79,551       $    31,869       $    14,693       $     9,876       $  28,081
    Custom products                                    17,423            22,254            19,086            12,640           9,345
    Cast products                                       5,427             4,041             6,787             5,283           1,631
    Corporate                                           6,595             3,321             5,988             1,341           6,063
                                                  -----------       -----------       -----------       -----------       ---------
                                                  $   108,996       $    61,485       $    46,554       $    29,140       $  45,120
                                                  ===========       ===========       ===========       ===========       =========
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
( ) Indicates deduction

Corporate expenses are allocated on a consistent basis among industry segments
over the five-year  period.  Earnings are before  income taxes and  cumulative
effect  of  accounting  changes.  "Capital  expenditures"  are  net of  normal
disposals  and  exclude   amounts  in   connection   with   acquisitions   and
divestitures.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                 Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                     E-16



<PAGE>






Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company").  Investments
in  unconsolidated  affiliates  are  accounted  for using the  equity  method.
Significant  intercompany  accounts and transactions  are eliminated.  Certain
reclassifications  were made to prior years'  amounts to conform with the 1996
presentation.


     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 amounts  reported in the financial
statements  and  accompanying  notes.  Actual  results could differ from those
estimates.


     Cash and Cash  Equivalents:  The  Company  considers  all  highly  liquid
investments  purchased  with a  maturity  of three  months  or less to be cash
equivalents.


     Inventories:  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost
is determined  using the specific  identification  method for steel processing
and the first-in, first-out method for all other businesses.


     Property and Depreciation:  Property,  plant and equipment are carried at
cost and depreciated using the straight-line  method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets.  Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax
purposes.


     Capitalized   Interest:   Interest  is  capitalized  in  connection  with
construction of qualified  assets.  Under this policy,  interest of $2,085,000
was capitalized in 1996 and $529,000 in 1995.


     Post  Retirement  Benefits  Other  Than  Pensions:  The  Company  adopted
Financial   Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued  Statement  No.  106,
"Employer's  Accounting for Post  Retirement  Benefits  Other Than  Pensions,"
effective June 1, 1993. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material
impact on the Company's operating results or financial position.  As permitted
by Statement 106, the Company elected not to restate the financial  statements
of prior years.


     Stock-Based Compensation: During 1995, the FASB issued Statement No. 123,
"Accounting  for  Stock-Based  Compensation,"  effective  June 1,  1996.  This
Statement sets forth standards for accounting for stock-based  compensation or
allows companies to continue using  Accounting  Principles Board Opinion (APB)
No. 25 with  additional  disclosures  in the notes to  consolidated  financial
statements.  It is the Company's  intention to continue  using APB No. 25 with
additional disclosures in the notes beginning in 1997.


     Statements  of Cash  Flows:  With  respect to  non-cash  activities,  the
Company recorded its increased  equity from the Rouge Steel Company's  initial
public offering as an increase in investments in unconsolidated  affiliates of
$3,215,000 in 1995 and $15,451,000 in 1994 and additional paid-in-capital (net
of deferred taxes) of $2,073,000 in 1995 and $10,134,000 in 1994.


     Supplemental  cash flow  information  for the  years  ended May 31, is as
follows:

In thousands                              1996            1995            1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest paid                            $10,936         $ 6,688         $ 2,973
Income taxes paid                        46, 131          60,520          39,957


                                     E-18
<PAGE>


     Fair  Value  of  Financial   Instruments:   The  following   methods  and
assumptions  were used by the  Company  in  estimating  the fair  value of its
financial instruments:


     Cash  and  cash  equivalents,  other  assets,  and  long-term  debt - The
carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets approximate fair value.


     The concentration of credit risks from financial instruments,  related to
the markets  discussed in Business Profile on page 3 is not expected to have a
material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, cash flow or
future results of operations.



NOTE B - Shareholders' Equity


     On September  16, 1993,  the  Company's  Board of Directors  authorized a
three-for-two  split of the common shares, with distribution of the additional
shares on October 22, 1993,  to holders of record on October 1, 1993.  Also on
September 16, 1993, the  shareholders  adopted an amendment to the Certificate
of  Incorporation  of the Company to increase the authorized  number of common
shares from  100,000,000  shares to  150,000,000  shares.  References  in this
annual  report to per share  amounts  and to the number of common  shares have
been adjusted,  where  appropriate,  to give  retroactive  effect to the share
split.


     The Board of  Directors  is  empowered  to  determine  the issue  prices,
dividend  rates,  amounts  payable upon  liquidation,  voting rights and other
terms of the preferred shares when issued.



NOTE C - Debt


Debt at May 31, is summarized as follows:

In thousands                                                  1996        1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term notes payable to bank - unsecured                    --       $38,200
Industrial development revenue bonds and notes              $ 13,476      14,136
Notes payable to banks - unsecured                              --        13,000
Revolver - unsecured                                          85,000      27,000
Senior notes due 2006 - unsecured                            200,000        --
Other                                                          1,741        --
                                                            --------     -------
                                                             300,217      92,336
Less current maturities                                        1,475      38,860
                                                            --------     -------
                                                            $298,742     $53,476
                                                            ========     =======


     The industrial development revenue bonds and notes (IRBs) represent loans
to purchase  facilities  and equipment  costing  $24,601,000.  The IRBs mature
serially  through 2011 and may be retired in whole or in part at any time.  At
May 31, 1996, the IRBs have fixed interest  rates:  $9,945,000 at 5.9% and the
remainder at 8.0%.


     The Company maintains a $150,000,000 revolving credit agreement with five
banks,  of  which  $65,000,000  was  available  on May 31,  1996.  The  credit
agreement is committed through 2001 and has one annual extension  option.  The
rate of interest is determined  at the time of borrowing,  based upon a choice
of options as specified in the agreement, and was 5.6% at May 31, 1996.


                                     E-19
<PAGE>



     During  the  year  ended  May  31,  1996,   the  Company  filed  a  shelf
registration  for the issuance of up to  $450,000,000  of debt  securities and
issued  $200,000,000  of 7.125%  Notes due 2006.  The majority of the proceeds
were used to repay a bridge loan credit  facility that was used to finance the
acquisition of Dietrich Industries (see Note K).


     The Company enters into interest rate hedge agreements to manage interest
costs and exposure to changing  interest  rates.  At May 31, 1996,  agreements
were in place that  effectively  converted  $150,000,000 of fixed rate debt to
floating.   The   counterparties  to  these  agreements  are  major  financial
institutions.


     Various debt agreements  place  restrictions on financial  conditions and
require  maintenance of certain ratios. One of these restrictions  limits cash
dividends and certain other  payments to $3,000,000  plus 75% of net earnings,
as defined, subsequent to May 31, 1976. Retained earnings of $347,333,000 were
unrestricted at May 31, 1996.


     Principal   payments  on  long-term   debt,   including   lease  purchase
obligations, in the next five fiscal years are as follows: 1997 -- $1,475,000;
1998 -- $5,057,000;  1999 -- $720,000; 2000 -- $660,000; 2001 -- $660,000; and
thereafter -- $291,645,000.


     The Company is guarantor on bank loans for four separate joint  ventures.
The  guarantees  totaled  $30,700,000 at May 31, 1996, and relate to debt with
varying maturities. The Company believes the guarantees will not significantly
affect the consolidated financial position or future results of operations.



NOTE D - Income Taxes


Income taxes for the years ended May 31, were as follows:


In thousands                                         1996       1995      1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current:  Federal                                  $ 38,704    $45,559   $36,907
          State and local                             7,403      8,912     5,964
Deferred: Federal                                    10,386     14,382     7,627
          State                                         (32)     1,159       284
                                                   ========    =======   =======
                                                   $ 56,461    $70,012   $50,782
                                                   ========    =======   =======


     Under  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board Number 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," the liability  method is used in accounting for
income  taxes.  Under this  method,  deferred tax assets and  liabilities  are
determined based on differences  between financial  reporting and tax bases of
assets and liabilities, and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that
will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

     Deferred   income  taxes   reflect  the  net  tax  effects  of  temporary
differences  between  the  carrying  amounts  of assets  and  liabilities  for
financial  reporting  and the  amounts  used  for  income  tax  purposes.  The
components of the Company's  deferred tax  liabilities and assets as of May 31
are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                     E-20
<PAGE>


In thousands                                             1996        1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets:
            Allowance for doubtful accounts              $1,176     $1,284
            Inventory                                   (5,352)      1,375
            Accrued expenses                              4,317      3,888
            Income taxes                                  2,916      2,460
            Other                                           553        388
                                                            ---        ---
                                                          3,610      9,395

Deferred tax liabilities:
            Property, plant and equipment                73,751     45,426
            Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated
               affiliates                                38,911     30,447
                                                       --------    -------
                                                        112,662     75,873
                                                       --------    -------
Net deferred tax liability                             $109,052    $66,478
                                                       --------    -------


     The reasons for the difference  between the effective income tax rate and
the statutory federal income tax rate were as follows:

                                        1996          1995         1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal statutory rate                   35.0%          35.0%         35.0%
State and local income taxes, net
     of federal tax benefit                3.4            3.6           3.0
Other                                     (.2)          (1.1)          (.6)
                                    -----------   ------------   -----------
                                         38.2%          37.5%         37.4%
                                    ===========   ============   ===========


NOTE E - Employee Benefit Plans


     Nonunion  employees of the Company  participate  in a current cash profit
sharing plan and a deferred profit sharing plan. Contributions to and costs of
these plans are  determined  as a percentge  of the  Company's  pretax  income
before profit sharing.


     Certain  operations have  non-contributory  defined benefit pension plans
covering a majority of their employees  qualified by age and service.  Company
contributions to these plans comply with ERISA's minimum funding requirements.


     A summary of the components of net periodic  pension cost for the defined
benefit plans in 1996, 1995 and 1994, and the contributions charged to pension
expense for the defined contribution plans follows:

<TABLE>

In thousands                                               1996       1995       1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>    
Defined benefit plans:
       Service cost (benefits earned during the period)   $ 1,171    $ 1,078    $ 1,089
       Interest cost on projected benefit obligation        3,330      3,091      2,875
       Actual return on plan assets                        (9,480)    (3,884)    (1,222)
       Net amortization and deferral                        5,582        283     (2,544)
                                                          -------    -------    -------
       Net pension cost on defined benefit plans              603        568        198
Defined contribution plans                                  4,307      4,985      3,935
                                                          -------    -------    -------
       Total pension expense                              $ 4,910    $ 5,553    $ 4,133
                                                          =======    =======    =======

</TABLE>
                                     E-21
<PAGE>



     Pension expense was calculated  assuming a weighted average discount rate
and an  expected  long-term  rate of return on plan  assets of 8%. Plan assets
consist  principally of listed equity securities and fixed income instruments.
The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized in the
Company's  consolidated  balance  sheet  for  defined benefit pension plans at
May 31:

<TABLE>
                                                                                  Plans Whose
                                                 Plans Whose Assets Exceed   Accumulated Benefits
                                                    Accumulated Benefits        Exceed Assets
In thousands                                         1996        1995          1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>            <C>        <C>    
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
             Vested                                $ 37,849    $ 35,546       $ 6,399    $ 6,361
                                                   ========    ========       =======    =======
             Accumulated                           $ 38,200    $ 35,945       $ 6,809    $ 6,590
                                                   ========    ========       =======    =======
Projected benefit obligation                       $ 38,200    $ 35,945       $ 6,809    $ 6,590
Plan assets at fair value                            52,199      43,922         6,020      5,022
                                                   --------    --------       -------    =======
Projected benefit obligation less than
  (in excess of) plan assets                       $ 13,999    $  7,977       $  (789)   $(1,568)
                                                   ========    ========       =======    =======
             Comprised of:
Accrued pension cost                                   --          --         $  (557)   $(1,361)
Prepaid pension cost                               $  3,244    $  2,030           (23)      --
Unrecognized:
       Net gain                                      15,541      10,905           829         60
       Prior service cost                            (6,505)     (6,950)       (1,292)    (1,393)
Unrecorded net asset (obligation) at transition,
       net of amortization                            1,718       1,992           (48)       (45)
Adjustment to recognize minimum liability              --          --             302      1,171
                                                   --------    --------       -------    =======
                                                   $ 13,999    $  7,977    $  (789)   $(1,568)
                                                   ========    ========    =======    =======
</TABLE>

NOTE F -- Stock Options


     Under its employee  stock option plans,  the Company may grant  employees
incentive  stock  options to  purchase  shares at not less than 100% of market
value at date of grant or non-qualified stock options at a price determined by
the Stock Option Committee.  Generally, options are exercisable at the rate of
20% a year  beginning  one  year  from  date of grant  and  expire  ten  years
thereafter.


     The following table summarizes the option plans:

<TABLE>

In thousands,                  Price Range                 Number of Options
except per share                Per Share           1996            1995            1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                     <C>             <C>             <C>
Exercised                     $4.68- $19.25           116             198             375
At May 31,
       Granted               $19.25-$21.375           501             882
       Outstanding           $7.11- $21.375         2,174           1,821           1,164
       Exercisable                                    996           1,115             933
       Available for grants                         3,117           3,618           4,500
</TABLE>

     The options outstanding at May 31, 1996, were held by 688 persons, had an
average  exercise price of $15.57 per share and had  expiration  dates ranging
from May 1997 to March 2006.



                                     E-22
<PAGE>



NOTE G -- Contingent Liabilities


     The Company is a defendant in certain  legal  actions.  In the opinion of
management, the outcome of these actions, which is not clearly determinable at
the present time, would not  significantly  affect the Company's  consolidated
financial position or future results of operations.


NOTE H - Industry Segment Data


     Industry  segment  descriptions on page 3, Company  locations on page 34,
and segment data on page 24 of the annual report are an integral part of these
financial statements.


     Sales  for  processed   steel  products  and  custom   products   include
$209,826,000 in 1996, $204,338,000 in 1995 and $161,602,000 in 1994 to a major
automobile   manufacturer   purchasing  through  decentralized  divisions  and
subsidiaries in different geographical areas.


NOTE I -- Related Party Transactions

     The Company purchases from and sells to affiliated companies, certain raw
materials and services at  prevailing  market  prices.  Sales for fiscal 1996,
1995 and 1994, totaled $51 million, $61 million and $62 million, respectively.
Accounts  receivable  related to these  transactions  were $10 million and $12
million at May 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Purchases  for fiscal  1996,
1995  and  1994,  totaled  $167  million,   $194  million  and  $168  million,
respectively.  Accounts  payable  related to these  transactions  included $18
million and $27 million at May 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

NOTE J - Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates


     The Company's  investments in affiliated companies which are not majority
owned or controlled  are accounted  for using the equity  method.  Investments
carried at equity and the  percentage  interest  owned consist of  Worthington
Specialty  Processing,  partnership  (50%),  London  Industries,  Inc.  (60%),
Worthington  Armstrong Venture,  partnership  (50%), TWB Company,  partnership
(50%), Acerex, S.A. de C.V. (50%) and Rouge Steel Company (28%).


     The market value of the  Company's  investment in the class A and class B
common  stock of Rouge at May 31 1996,  ($22.25  per share) was  approximately
$134 million.  At May 31, 1996,  the  Company's  share of the  underlying  net
assets of Rouge  exceeded  the  carrying  amount  included  in  investment  in
unconsolidated  affiliates of $101,134,000 by $9,106,000.  The excess is being
amortized  into income by  increasing  equity in net income of  unconsolidated
affiliates using the straight-line method over 12 years.


     Financial  information  for  affiliated  companies  accounted  for by the
equity method is as follows:


In thousands                              1996            1995           1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets                        $  553,023      $  569,447
Noncurrent assets                        287,247         227,315
Current liabilities                      233,441         240,044
Noncurrent liabilities                   176,618         167,915
Minority interests                         6,404          21,404
Net sales                              1,383,343       1,386,824      $1,189,470
Gross margin                             122,500         170,234         106,309
Net income                            $   88,644      $  122,116      $   64,152


                                     E-23
<PAGE>




     The  Company's  share  of   undistributed   earnings  of   unconsolidated
affiliates  included in consolidated  retained earnings was $67,935,000 at May
31, 1996.


Note K - Acquisition


     On February 5, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding  capital
stock of Dietrich Industries,  Inc. for approximately $146 million in cash and
$23 million in assumed liabilities,  net of cash acquired.  Dietrich, based in
Pittsburgh,  Pa., is involved  primarily in the  manufacture and sale of metal
framing products for the commercial and residential  construction markets. The
acquisition  was  accounted  for using  purchase  accounting  with results for
Dietrich  included  since the purchase  date.  The purchase price exceeded the
fair value of the net assets  acquired by  approximately  $66 million which is
being amortized over 40 years.


     The following pro forma data  summarizes the results of operations of the
Company for the twelve  months ended May 31, 1996 and May 31,  1995,  assuming
Dietrich was acquired at the beginning of each period presented.  In preparing
the  pro  forma  data,  adjustments  have  been  made  to  conform  Dietrich's
accounting policies to those of the Company and to reflect purchase accounting
adjustments and interest expense:


In thousands,                                          Twelve Months Ended
except per share (unaudited)                     May 31, 1996      May. 31, 1995
- ---------------------------------               -------------      -------------

Net sales                                         $ 1,660,815         $1,768,931
                                                  ===========         ==========

Net earnings                                      $    92,503         $  120,459
                                                  ===========         ==========

Earnings per common share                         $      1.02         $     1.33
                                                  ===========         ==========


     The pro  forma  information  does not  purport  to be  indicative  of the
results  of  operations  which  would  have  actually  been  obtained  if  the
acquisition  had occurred on the dates  indicated or the results of operations
which will be reported in the future.


NOTE L - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)


     The  following  is a  summary  of  the  unaudited  quarterly  results  of
operations for the years ended May 31, 1996 and 1995:


In thousands,                                Three Months Ended
                    ------------------------------------------------------------
except per share                   Aug.          Nov.        Feb.         May
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996
Net sales                        $325,736     $354,544     $360,224     $437,334
Gross margin                       47,005       53,011       54,289       66,958
Net earnings                       21,508       26,188       20,896       22,750
Earnings per share               $    .24     $    .29     $    .23     $    .25

1995
Net sales                        $346,257     $363,276     $370,117     $403,919
Gross margin                       52,132       58,008       60,392       68,404
Net earnings                       25,448       28,264       28,651       34,323
Earnings per share               $    .28     $    .31     $    .32     $    .38


                                     E-24
<PAGE>

                             Report of Management


     The  management  of  Worthington   Industries  is  responsible   for  the
preparation  of  the  accompanying   consolidated   financial   statements  in
conformity with generally accepted  accounting  principles  appropriate in the
circumstances.  Management  is  also  responsible  for  the  determination  of
estimates and judgments used in the financial statements,  and the preparation
of other financial information included in this annual report to shareholders.
The financial  statements have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,  independent
auditors.


     The management of the Company has established and maintains an accounting
system and related  internal  controls  that it  believes  are  sufficient  to
provide reasonable  assurance that assets are safeguarded against unauthorized
acquisition,  use or disposition,  that transactions are executed and recorded
in accordance with  management's  authorization and that the financial records
are reliable for  preparing  financial  statements.  The concept of reasonable
assurance  is based on the  recognition  that the cost of a system of internal
control must be related to the benefits  derived and that the balancing of the
factors   requires   estimates  and   judgments.   Management   considers  the
recommendations  of the internal  auditors and  independent  certified  public
accountants  concerning  the  Company's  system of internal  control and takes
appropriate actions which are cost effective in the circumstances.


     The Board of Directors  has an Audit  Committee of Directors  who are not
members  of  management.  The  Audit  Committee  meets  periodically  with the
Company's  management,  internal  auditors and  independent  certified  public
accountants to review matters  relating to financial  reporting,  auditing and
internal control. To ensure auditor  independence,  both the internal auditors
and independent  certified public accountants have full and free access to the
Audit Committee.



/s/ John H. McConnell
John H. McConnell, Chairman & Founder


/s/ John P. McConnell
John P. McConnell, Vice Chairman & CEO


/s/ Donald G. Barger, Jr.
Donald G. Barger, Jr., Vice President-CFO


/s/ Michael R. Sayre
Michael R. Sayre, Controller



                                     E-25

<PAGE>
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



Shareholders and Board of Directors
Worthington Industries, Inc.


     We  have  audited  the  accompanying   consolidated   balance  sheets  of
Worthington Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of May 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related  consolidated  statements of earnings,  shareholders'  equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 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,  the  financial  statements  referred  to above  present
fairly,  in all material  respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position of
Worthington  Industries,  Inc. and  Subsidiaries at May 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the consolidated  results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended May 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.




                                                          /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                                                         _____________________
                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Columbus, Ohio
June 14, 1996



                                     E-26

<PAGE>
<TABLE>


SELECTIVE FINANCIAL DATA

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands, except per share         May 31          1996            1995            1994            1993           1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL RESULTS

<S>                                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
Net Sales                                          $ 1,477,838     $ 1,483,569     $ 1,285,134     $ 1,113,242     $ 971,346
Cost of Goods Sold                                   1,256,574       1,244,633       1,093,350         938,342       820,587
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     ---------
Gross Margin                                           221,264         238,936         191,784         174,900       150,759
Selling, General & Administrative Expense               95,123          85,102          72,372          68,809        62,402
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     ---------

Operating Income                                       126,141         153,834         119,412         106,091        88,357
Miscellaneous Income                                       950             573             389             598         1,289
Interest Expense                                        (8,350)         (6,036)         (3,017)         (3,421)       (3,986)
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated
   Affiliates - Joint Ventures                           7,333           6,216            (555)          1,816         1,522
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated
   Affiliate - Rouge                                    21,729          32,111          19,406           2,771         3,918
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     ---------

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes
   and Accounting Changes                              147,803         186,698         135,635         107,855        91,100
Income Taxes                                            56,461          70,012          50,782          39,907        33,069
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     ---------

Earnings From Continuing Operations  Before
   Accounting Changes                                   91,342         116,686          84,853          67,948        58,031
  Per Share                                               1.01            1.29            0.94            0.76          0.65
Depreciation                                            39,222          34,129          32,385          29,204        26,887
Cash Provided By Operating Activities                  138,442          66,401          60,854          65,924        72,905
Cash Dividends Declared                                 40,872          37,212          33,161          29,329        27,127
  Per Share                                             0.4501          0.4101          0.3669          0.3270        0.3048
Capital Expenditures                               $   108,996     $    61,485     $    46,554     $    29,140     $  45,120
Average Shares Outstanding                              90,812          90,730          90,378          89,699        88,990
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     ---------

============================================================================================================================


FINANCIAL POSITION

Current Assets                                     $   476,041     $   451,902     $   413,116     $   363,513     $ 311,247
Current Liabilities                                    151,269         179,228         161,866         139,791       121,008
                                                   -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------     ---------

Working Capital                                        324,772         272,674         251,250         223,722       190,239
Net Fixed Assets                                       512,336         334,917         307,561         293,392       293,456
Total Assets                                         1,220,125         916,964         798,573         694,209       627,960
Long-Term Debt                                         298,742          53,476          54,136          55,626        57,345
Shareholders' Equity                                   639,540         590,332         503,893         438,188       392,295
  Per Share                                               7.04            6.50            5.56            4.86          4.39
Total Capital                                      $   938,282     $   643,808     $   558,029     $   493,814     $ 449,640
Shares Outstanding                                      90,830          90,840          90,561          90,113        89,308

==============================================================================================================================

PERFORMANCE COMPARISON

Profitability (After Taxes)
Return on Net Sales                                        6.2%            7.9%            6.6%            6.1%          6.0%
Return on Average Total Assets                             8.5%           13.6%           11.4%           10.3%          9.7%
Return on Average Total Capital                           11.5%           19.4%           16.1%           14.4%         13.4%
Return on Average Shareholders' Equity                    14.9%           21.3%           18.0%           16.4%         15.4%
Financial Condition
Current Ratio                                              3.2  X          2.5  X          2.6  X          2.6  X        2.6  X
Long-Term Debt/Total Capital                                32%              8%             10%             11%           13%
Asset Use
Inventory Turnover                                         6.5  X          6.0  X          6.4  X          6.4  X        6.1  X
Accounts Receivable/Days Sales                              43              46              43              45            47
Growth
Net Sales                                                -0.4%            15.4%           15.4%           14.6%         11.5%
Earnings From Continuing Operations
    Before Accounting Changes                           -21.7%            37.5%           24.9%           17.1%         21.4%
Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations
    Before Accounting Changes                           -21.7%            37.2%           23.7%           16.9%         20.4%
Cash Dividends Declared Per Share                          9.7%           11.8%           12.2%            7.3%         12.6%

</TABLE>

================================================================================



                                     E-27
<PAGE>



SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

<TABLE>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
        Quarterly Volume, Price and Dividend Information                             NASDAQ
                                                                                     Prices
                                                                           -------------------------
Fiscal 1995              Shares         Average Daily  Price Earnings                                         Cash
Quarter Ended            Traded            Volume        Ratio Range           Low            High          Dividends
- --------------------------- --------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------     --------------
<S>                     <C>                <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>       
August 31               9,542,161          146,802          19-24          $   17.50       $   22.00       $    0.100
November 30            15,776,732          250,424          19-23          $   19.25       $   23.50       $    0.100
February 28            12,795,463          209,762          17-20          $   18.75       $   21.75       $    0.100
May 31                 14,825,214          231,643          15-19          $   18.13       $   22.38       $    0.110



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
        Quarterly Volume, Price and Dividend Information                             NASDAQ
                                                                                     Prices
                                                                           -------------------------
Fiscal 1996              Shares         Average Daily  Price Earnings                                         Cash
Quarter Ended            Traded            Volume        Ratio Range           Low            High          Dividends
- --------------------------- --------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------     --------------
August 31              17,608,160          270,895          15-18          $   19.13       $   23.25       $    0.110
November 30            25,205,177          400,082          13-16          $   16.63       $   20.25       $    0.110
February 29            18,062,061          291,324          15-18          $   18.50       $   22.13       $    0.110
May 31                 14,697,302          229,645          17-20          $   19.50       $   22.50       $    0.120

</TABLE>


At May 31, 1996 (10,563 Shareholders)


                                     E-27
<PAGE>


Shares Trading

     Shares  of  Worthington   Industries  common  stock  are  traded  in  the
over-the-counter  market as part of the NASDAQ  National  Market  System.  The
Company is  identified  by the  NASDAQ  symbol  "WTHG"  and in most  newspaper
listings as "WorthtnInd."




                                     E-28
<PAGE>


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


     Fiscal  1996  was the  second  best  year in the 41 year  history  of the
Company.  Net sales of $1.478 billion were  comparable to last year's results,
while  earnings of $91.3  million and earnings per share of $1.01 were off 22%
from last year's strong records. Fiscal 1995 net sales of $1.484 billion , net
earnings of $116.7 million,  and earnings per share of $1.29 were all records,
increasing 15%, 38% and 37%, respectively, from fiscal 1994.


     On February 5, 1996, the Company purchased Dietrich Industries,  Inc. for
$169 million.  Dietrich,  based in  Pittsburgh,  is involved  primarily in the
manufacture  and  sale  of  metal  framing  products  for the  commercial  and
residential  construction  markets.  Results for this metal  framing  business
since the purchase date are included in the Company's financial results.


     Fiscal  1996  profitability   percentages   reflected  the  year's  lower
earnings.  Return on sales was 6.2% for 1996,  down from 7.9% in 1995 and 6.6%
in 1994. Return on average assets decreased to 8.5% in 1996 from 13.6% in 1995
and 11.4% in 1994 due to the  lower  earnings  and the  addition  of  Dietrich
assets.  Return on average  shareholders' equity decreased to 14.9% from 21.3%
in 1995 and 18.0% in 1994.


                                     E-29
<PAGE>


     Fiscal  1996  results  were  affected  by  slowing  demand in most of the
Company's  product lines.  Margins  declined due to the lower volume and lower
selling prices used to stimulate  demand.  Shifts in product mix,  designed to
increase   volume  in  some  lines  of  business  while   increasing   overall
profitability, reduced average selling prices and margins.


     In fiscal 1995, as the economy continued to expand, the Company benefited
from high  demand  throughout  its  markets,  high volume  economies,  and the
productivity efforts of its employees. The higher sales for 1995 were a result
of higher  order  levels  and some  selling  price  increases,  as higher  raw
material costs were generally passed through to customers.


     Cost of goods  sold  increased  1% for  1996,  reflecting  the  interplay
between the addition of Dietrich in February and lower volume in the Company's
other  businesses.  Manufacturing and direct labor costs also increased due to
the same factors. In fiscal 1995, cost of goods sold increased 14%, roughly in
line with sales,  as higher raw material costs offset the benefits gained from
cost  reductions,  increased  productivity,  and the leveraging of fixed costs
with higher volume.


     Gross margin decreased 7% in 1996, following a 25% increase in 1995. As a
percentage of sales,  gross margin was 15.0% in 1996,  16.1% in 1995 and 14.9%
in 1994. In 1996, lower volumes in steel processing,  steel castings and a mix
change in cylinders more than offset Dietrich's  contribution to gross margin.
In 1995,  gross  margin  improved  as the  expanding  economy  provided a more
favorable environment for passing raw material cost increases to customers.


                                     E-30
<PAGE>


     Selling,  general and  administrative  (S,G&A) expense as a percentage of
sales was 6.4% in 1996,  5.7% in 1995 and 5.6% in 1994.  During  1996,  higher
benefit costs and the addition of Dietrich's  costs were only partially offset
by decreased profit sharing. Dietrich's cost structure is more S,G&A intensive
than that of the  Company's  other  businesses.  Fiscal  1995's  increase  was
attributable   to  higher  sales   volumes  and   increased   profit   sharing
distributions resulting from the higher profits.


     For the reasons  discussed above,  fiscal 1996 operating income decreased
18%, after a 29% increase in 1995. As a percentage of sales,  operating income
decreased to 8.5% from 10.4% in 1995 and 9.3% in 1994.


     Interest  expense  increased  38% in 1996  following  a 100%  increase in
fiscal  1995.  In 1996,  both the  average  debt  outstanding  and the average
interest  rate  increased.  Debt  levels rose in 1996 due to the high level of
capital spending and the acquisition of Dietrich. During May 1996, the Company
issued $200 million of public debt was issued  primarily to pay off the bridge
loan used to acquire Dietrich.  In 1995, both the average debt outstanding and
average interest rate increased. The 1995 increase in average debt outstanding
was due to the high level of capital spending and increased working capital to
support the sales growth.  The average interest rate was 6.3% in 1996, up from
6.2% in 1995 and 4.0% in 1994. Interest of $2.1 million was capitalized during
1996.

                                     E-31
<PAGE>




     Equity in net income of unconsolidated  affiliates decreased 24% in 1996.
This was  primarily  due to a  decline  in  equity  income  from  Rouge  Steel
resulting from  competitive  pricing  pressure in the primary steel  industry.
Equity in net income from affiliates  excluding  Rouge,  increased 18%. Equity
from  Worthington  Armstrong  Venture (WAVE) was up significantly on increased
volume in both the U.S. and Europe.  TWB made good  progress and its operating
loss  decreased.  The Acerex joint  venture in Mexico  started  production  in
October 1995 and is shipping within Mexico and into the southwest U.S.


     The  majority  of 1995's  fourfold  increase  in equity in net  income of
affiliates  came from the equity in Rouge Steel,  which  benefited from higher
steel prices that year. TWB Company,  in its startup mode, lost  significantly
less than in 1994. WAVE  contributed to the increased equity in 1995 as demand
for its products grew and its plant in France  became  profitable in its first
full year of operation.


     In fiscal 1997, the Company initiated steps relative to its investment in
Rouge which,  if completed,  would result in the Company  accounting  for this
investment on the cost method instead of the equity method.  Rouge contributed
$21.7 million,  $32.1  million,  and $19.4 million to pretax  earnings  during
fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.


                                     E-32
<PAGE>




     The effective  tax rate rose in fiscal 1996 due to permanent  differences
which became a larger  percentage of pretax  earnings.  The effective tax rate
increased to 38.2% from 37.5% in 1995 and 37.4% in 1994. In 1995, increases in
state  tax  rates  and a shift in sales  to  states  with  higher  rates  were
partially offset by permanent differences.


Processed Steel Products


     In 1996, the processed  steel  products  segment had its second best year
ever,  but both sales and operating  income were lower than in 1995.  Sales of
$1.013  billion and  operating  income of $93.4  million were down 1% and 17%,
respectively.  Operating  income  return  on sales  decreased  to 9.2%.  Steel
processing sales were below last year primarily due to lower volume. Operating
margins were lower due to the reduced volume and lower selling prices. Profits
were also  affected by the General  Motors strike during the third quarter and
the shutdown of a zinc plating line at the Malvern,  Pennsylvania plant in the
fourth  quarter,  which  is  being  replaced  by a new  nickel  plating  line.
Dietrich's operations, which were included from the date of acquisition only ,
suffered from pricing pressures,  and the traditionally slow winter commercial
construction  season.  Pressure  cylinders'  sales and  earnings  were down as
increased  demand for heating  tanks did not fully offset  lower  shipments of
refrigerant cylinders. This shift in product mix also affected margins.



                                     E-33
<PAGE>




     In fiscal 1995,  sales of  processed  steel  products  rose 12% to $1.028
billion and  operating  income  increased 15% to $112.4  million,  setting new
records.  Return on sales increased to 10.9% from 10.7%.  The steel processing
operations  continued to gain market share and demand  remained  strong due to
the  expanding  economy,   increased  auto  production  and  strength  in  the
non-automotive sector. The sales increase was attributable generally to higher
volume and, to a lesser  extent,  higher  prices as  increases  from the steel
mills were  generally  passed  through to  customers.  In pressure  cylinders,
strong  worldwide  demand  led  to  higher  volumes  in  most  product  lines,
particularly the largest lines, steel portables and non-refillables.  Cylinder
sales  increase  also  contained  a price  factor,  as selling  prices rose to
reflect the increase in steel prices and the higher cost of the newly required
"quick connect" valve.


     In June 1996,  the Company  purchased  SCM  Technologies  which  designs,
engineers  and  manufactures  high  pressure  industrial,  medical,  halon and
electronic gas cylinders. SCM, which is located just outside Windsor, Ontario,
will enable the  Company to  increase  its  penetration  in the high  pressure
cylinder market.


     The Company's new steel processing facility in Delta, Ohio is expected to
begin operating late in calendar 1996. This plant will have pickling, slitting
and hot dipped  galvanizing  capabilities  and will be  supported  by a supply
agreement  with the adjacent  North Star/BHP  mini-mill.  This  arrangement is
expected to complement  the  supply/equity  relationship  with Rouge Steel and
purchases  from other  mills.  In  addition,  major  capital  investments  are
currently in process in a number of the Company's steel processing operations.


                                     E-34
<PAGE>



Custom Products


     Sales for custom  products  of $321  million  were up 6% in fiscal  1996.
Operating  income  decreased 8% to $18.2  million or 5.7% of sales,  as better
performance  by custom  plastics  was offset by lower  results  for  precision
metals.  The  plastics  operations  increased  sales and  earnings  due to new
automotive and appliance contracts and improvements at the newer facilities in
South  Carolina  and  Kentucky.  Volume  from new  jobs  increased  sales  for
precision metals above last year, but profits were lower due to inefficiencies
caused by startups and specification changes on certain high volume parts.


     In fiscal 1995, custom products posted record results, as sales increased
21% to $302.1  million and operating  income  increased 29% to $19.8  million.
Return  on sales  rose to 6.5%  from  6.1% in  1994.  The  plastics  operation
benefited from high demand for automobiles and  non-automotive  products.  The
new plastics  facility in St.  Matthews,  South  Carolina,  became  profitable
during the year and the new plant in Lebanon,  Kentucky,  became profitable in
its fourth month of operation. Precision metals sales and profits were also up
due to higher production  levels and increased  experience and productivity on
new contracts started in fiscal 1994.


                                     E-35
<PAGE>



Cast Products


     During 1996,  sales for cast products  decreased 6% to $143.7 million and
operating  income was down 33% to $14.6 million.  Railcar demand was down from
last year's high levels resulting in a decrease of volume,  selling prices and
the leveraging of fixed costs.


     During 1995,  sales  increased  33% to $153.1  million,  while  operating
income rose 261% to a record $21.7 million. Return on sales increased to 14.2%
from 5.2% in 1994.  Strong  demand  for  freight  railcars  drove  volume  and
productivity gains.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


     At May 31, 1996,  the Company's  balance sheet remained  strong.  Working
capital increased to $324.8 million,  representing 27% of total assets and 22%
of sales, in line with historic trends.  The current ratio increased to 3.2 to
1 from 2.5 to 1 at May 31, 1995. Total debt stood at $300.2 million. Long-term
debt was $298.7 million, or 32% of total capital, compared to 8% at the end of
fiscal 1995.


     Cash provided by operating  activities  was an all-time  record  reaching
$138.4 million, aided by a $13.5 million decrease in accounts receivable and a
$35.2 million  decrease in  inventories,  which occurred  because of lower raw
material  costs,  better  inventory  management,  and lower  sales  volume and
prices.  At fiscal  year-end,  days sales in accounts  receivable  and days of
inventory  were  down 3 and 5 days,  respectively,  from the end of 1995.  The
funds  to  purchase  Dietrich  for a net  cash  price  of  $169  million  were
originally  obtained  through a $180  million  acquisition  bridge loan credit
facility.  The bridge  facility  was then paid off with the proceeds of a $200
million public debt offering in May 1996.


                                     E-36
<PAGE>



     Dividends  paid  during  1996 of $40  million  were a record for the 28th
consecutive year. Capital investment in businesses  (capital  expenditures and
investments in unconsolidated  affiliates)  totaled $117 million in 1996,a 62%
increase from fiscal 1995. The most  significant  project was the Delta,  Ohio
steel processing and galvanizing plant.


     In 1995,  the Company  entered  into a $150 million  long-term  revolving
credit agreement with several banks, replacing a $40 million unsecured line of
credit  . At May 31,  1996,  $65  million  of the  revolver  was  unused.  The
Company's  immediate   borrowing  capacity,   plus  its  cash  generated  from
operations,  should be more than sufficient to fund expected normal  operating
costs,  dividends,   debt  payments  and  capital  expenditures  for  existing
businesses. While there are no specific needs, the Company regularly considers
long-term  debt  issuance  as a  alternative  depending  on  financial  market
conditions.


     The Company believes that  environmental  issues will not have a material
effect on capital  expenditures,  consolidated  financial  position  or future
results of operations.


                                     E-37

<PAGE>


E-55

                              COMPANY LOCATIONS:


<PAGE>



PROCESSED STEEL PRODUCTS                    CAST PRODUCTS                       
                                                                                
                                            Buckeye Steel Castings Company      
The Worthington Steel Company               Columbus, Ohio                      
                                                                                
Columbus, Monroe & Delta, Ohio              Worthington Machine Technology      
Louisville, Kentucky                        Columbus, Ohio                      
Rock Hill, South Carolina                                                       
Baltimore, Maryland                                                             
Jackson & Taylor, Michigan                                                      
Midland, Georgia                            CUSTOM PRODUCTS                     
Malvern, Pennsylvania                                                           
Porter, Indiana                             Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc.   
                                            Mason, Salem & Upper Sandusky, Ohio 
Worthington Cylinder Corporation            St. Matthews, South Carolina        
                                            Lebanon, Kentucky                   
Columbus, Jefferson & Westerville, Ohio                                         
Claremore, Oklahoma                                                             
Midland, Georgia                            Worthington Precision Metals, Inc.  
Guelph, Ontario                             Mentor, Ohio                        
Citronelle, Alabama                         Franklin, Tennessee                 
Tilbury, Ontario                            


Dietrich Industries

Hammond & LaPorte, Indiana
Hicksville, Warren & Aurora, Ohio
Ashville, Alabama
Baltimore, Maryland
Lunenburg, Massachusetts
Colton & Stockton, California
Phoenix, Arizona
Wildwood & Miami, Florida
East Brunswick, New Jersey
Hutchins, Texas
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Denver, Colorado
Lenexa, Kansas

                                     E-30
<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 21


                          SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY



                                     E-31

<PAGE>



                                  EXHIBIT 21

                 WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                Jurisdiction of
                         Subsidiary (1) Incorporation

WI Investments, Inc.                                     Delaware
Dietrich Industries, Inc.                                Pennsylvania
Subsidiaries of WI Investments, Inc.
    Worthington Industries, Incorporated                 Ohio
    The Worthington Steel Company                        Indiana
    The Worthington Steel Company                        Kentucky
    The Worthington Steel Company                        Maryland
    The Worthington Steel Company                        Michigan
    The Worthington Steel Company                        North Carolina
    The Worthington Steel Company                        Pennsylvania
       NRM Trucking Co. (2)                              Delaware
       Worthington Ventures, Inc. (2)(3)                 Delaware
    Worthington Steel of Michigan, Inc.                  Michigan
    Worthington Cylinder Corporation                     Ohio
       Worthington Acetylene Cylinders, Inc. (4)         Alabama
       (d/b/a North American Cylinders, Inc.)
       Worthington Cylinders of Canada, Inc. (4)         Ontario, Canada
          Steel Cylinder Manufacturing, Limited (5)      Ontario, Canada
    Buckeye Steel Castings Company                       Ohio
       Buckeye Energy Company, Inc. (6)                  Ohio
       B-I Sales, Inc. (6)                               Michigan
       GSI Engineering, Inc. (6)                         Delaware
       Buckeye International Development, Inc.(6)        Ohio
       Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc. (6)             Ohio
          Worthington Precision Metals, Inc. (7)         Tennessee
    Worthington Industries of Mexico, S.A. de C.V.       Mexico

                                  * * * * * *

(1)  All  subsidiaries  are 100% owned by the listed parent  unless  otherwise
     noted Some minor or non-functioning corporations are not listed

(2)  Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Steel Company (PA)

(3)  Holding company for Worthington Armstrong Venture

(4)  Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Cylinder Corporation

(5)  Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Cylinders of Canada, Inc.

(6)  Wholly-owned subsidiary of Buckeye Steel Castings Company

(7)  Wholly-owned subsidiary of Worthington Custom Plastics, Inc.

                                     E-32
<PAGE>



JOINT VENTURES

    Worthington Specialty Processing (8)                 Michigan
    London Industries, Inc. (9)                          Ohio
    TWB Company (10)                                     Michigan
    Worthington Armstrong Venture (11)                   Delaware
    Acerex, S.A. de C.V. (12)                            Mexico

                                  * * * * * *

(8)  50% Joint Venture with USX  Corp.-Partnership  owned by Worthington Steel
     of Michigan

(9)  60% owned Joint Venture with Nissen, Sumitomo & Sumitomo Corp. of America
     - owned by WCP

(10) 50% Joint Venture with Thyssen  Steel-  Partnership  owned by Worthington
     Steel of Michigan

(11) 50% Joint  Venture with  Armstrong  Ventures,  Inc.-Partnership  owned by
     Worthington Ventures, Inc.

(12) 50% Joint  Venture  with Hylsa  S.A.  de C.V.  &  Worthington  Industries
     Mexico, S.A. de C.V.


                                     E-33




                                  EXHIBIT 23

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS





                                     E-34
<PAGE>




                                  EXHIBIT 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


     We consent to the  incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) of  Worthington  Industries,  Inc.  of our report  dated June 14,  1996,
included in the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Worthington  Industries,
Inc.

     Our audits also included the financial  statement schedule of Worthington
Industries,  Inc. listed in Item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on
our audits.  In our opinion,  the  financial  statement  schedule  referred to
above, when considered in relation to the basic financial  statements taken as
a whole,  presents  fairly in all material  respects the information set forth
therein.

     We also consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  Registration
Statements (Form S-8 No. 33-57981)  pertaining to the Worthington  Industries,
Inc.  Deferred Profit Sharing Plan;  (Form S-8 No. 2-80094)  pertaining to the
Worthington  Industries,  Inc.  Amended 1980 Stock Option Plan;  (Form S-3 No.
33-46470) pertaining to the Worthington Industries, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment
and Stock Purchase Plan; (Form S-8 No. 33-38486) pertaining to the Worthington
Industries,  Inc.  1990  Stock  Option  Plan;  and  (Form  S-3 No.  333-03087)
pertaining to Worthington Industries, Inc. Debt Securities of our report dated
June  14,  1996,  with  respect  to  the  consolidated   financial  statements
incorporated  herein by  reference,  and our report  included in the preceding
paragraph with respect to the financial  statement  schedule  included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Worthington Industries, Inc.


                                                          /s/Ernst & Young LLP


Columbus, Ohio
August 28, 1996


                                     E-35






                                     E-36

<PAGE>


                                  EXHIBIT 24

                              POWERS OF ATTORNEY



<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.

                                                      /s/Donald G. Barger, Jr.
                                                         Donald G. Barger, Jr.


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.

                                                           /s/ Robert J. Borel
                                                               Robert J. Borel


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.

                                                          /s/Charles R. Carson
                                                             Charles R. Carson


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.

                                                   /s/ William S. Dietrich, II
                                                       William S. Dietrich, II


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.

                                                         /s/ Edward A. Ferkany
                                                             Edward A. Ferkany


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.

                                                            /s/ John E. Fisher
                                                                John E. Fisher


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.


                                                            /s/ John F. Havens
                                                                John F. Havens


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.


                                                         /s/ Thomas L. Hockman
                                                             Thomas L. Hockman


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.


                                                           /s/ Robert J. Klein
                                                               Robert J. Klein


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                          /s/ Pete A. Klisares
                                                              Pete A. Klisares


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                      /s/ Katherine S. LeVeque
                                                          Katherine S. LeVeque


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                         /s/ Donal H. Malenick
                                                             Donal H. Malenick


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                         /s/ John H. McConnell
                                                             John H. McConnell


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                         /s/ John P. McConnell
                                                             John P. McConnell


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                         /s/ Robert B. McCurry
                                                             Robert B. McCurry


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                          /s/ Charles D. Minor
                                                              Charles D. Minor


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                        /s/ Gerald B. Mitchell
                                                            Gerald B. Mitchell


<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY


            KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  the  undersigned  officer
and/or director of Worthington Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation, which
is about to file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  Washington,
D.C., under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1934, its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 1996  constitutes  and appoints  Donal H.
Malenick,  Donald G.  Barger,  Jr. and Dale T.  Brinkman,  his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact  and agents,  with full power to act without the other,  for
him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign such
Annual Report and any or all amendments  thereto,  and to file the same,  with
all exhibits thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents,  and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every  act and  thing  requisite  and  necessary  to be done in and  about the
premises,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and
agents or any of them or their or his substitute or  substitutes  may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this
16th day of August, 1996.



                                                         /s/ James Petropoulos
                                                             James Petropoulos




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                                                        0
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