UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 20102011

or

For the transition period from                                                          to                                                          

Commission File Number         1-8399

WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    None

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  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).        Yes  ¨þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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.            ¨þ

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  þ      Accelerated filer  ¨      Non-accelerated filer  ¨      Smaller reporting company  ��¨

                                                                                  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).        Yes  ¨    No  þ

The aggregate market value of the Common Shares (the only common equity of the Registrant) held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on November 30, 2009,2010, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $717,342,269. For this purpose, executive officers and directors of the Registrant are considered affiliates.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. On July 23, 2010,26, 2011, the number of Common Shares issued and outstanding was 77,892,544.74,328,346.

DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Selected portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be furnished to shareholders of the Registrant in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on September 30, 2010,29, 2011, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to the extent provided herein.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Selected statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including, without limitation, in “PART I – Item 1. – Business” and “PART II – Item 7. – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events. These statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “should” or other similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to:

Because they are based on beliefs, estimates and assumptions, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Any number of factors could affect actual results, including, without limitation, those that follow:

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We note these factors for investors as contemplated by the Act. It is impossible to predict or identify all potential risk factors. Consequently, you should not consider the foregoing list to be a complete set of all potential risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based on current information as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we assume no obligation to correct or update any such statements in the future, except as required by applicable law.

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PART I

Item 1. — Business

General Overview

Worthington Industries, Inc. is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Ohio (individually, the “Registrant” or “Worthington Industries” or, collectively with the subsidiaries of Worthington Industries, Inc., “we,” “our,” “Worthington,”“Worthington” or the “Company”). Founded in 1955, Worthington is primarily a diversified metals processing company, focused on value-added steel processing and manufactured metal products. Our manufactured metal products include: pressure cylinder products such as propane, oxygen and helium tanks, hand torches, refrigerant oxygen, hand torch and industrial cylinders, camping cylinders, scuba tanks and helium balloon kits; light gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction; framing systems and stairs for mid-rise buildings; currentsteel pallets and past model automotive service stampings;racks; and, through joint ventures, suspension grid systems for concealed and lay-in panel ceilings, and laser welded blanks.blanks; light gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction and current and past model automotive service stampings.

Worthington is headquartered at 200 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Columbus, Ohio 43085, telephone (614) 438-3210. The common shares of Worthington Industries are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WOR.

Worthington Industries maintains an Internet web site at www.worthingtonindustries.com. This uniform resource locator, or URL, is an inactive textual reference only and is not intended to incorporate Worthington Industries’ web site into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as well as Worthington Industries’ definitive annual meeting proxy materials filed pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act, are available free of charge, on or through the Worthington Industries web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Segments

At the end of the fiscal year ended May 31, 20102011 (“fiscal 2010”2011”), the Companywe had 4135 manufacturing facilities worldwide and held equity positions in eight12 joint ventures, which operated an additional 2443 manufacturing facilities worldwide.

The Company hasOur operations are managed principally on a products and services basis and include three principal reportable business segments: Steel Processing, Pressure Cylinders and Metal Framing. The Steel Processing reportable business segment consists of the Worthington Steel business unit (“Worthington Steel”)., and includes Precision Specialty Metals, Inc. (“PSM”), a specialty stainless processor located in Los Angeles, California, and Spartan Steel Coating, LLC (“Spartan”), a consolidated joint venture that operates a cold-rolled hot dipped galvanizing line. The Pressure Cylinders reportable business segment consists of the Worthington Cylinders business unit (“Worthington Cylinders”). and India-based Worthington Nitin Cylinders Limited (“WNCL), a consolidated joint venture that manufactures high pressure, seamless steel cylinders for compressed natural gas storage in motor vehicles and for industrial gases. The Metal Framing reportable business segment consists of the Dietrich Metal Framing business unit (“Dietrich”).

As more fully described in theRecent Developments section herein, on March 1, 2011, we contributed certain assets of Dietrich to a newly-formed joint venture, Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC (“ClarkDietrich”), in which we received a 25% noncontrolling interest. We retained seven of the 13 metal framing facilities, which continue to operate, on a short-term basis, to support the transition of the business into the new joint venture. Following this brief transition period, these assets will be disposed of. The Steel processing, Pressure Cylindersfinancial

results and operating performance of the retained facilities will continue to be reported within our Metal Framing operating segments are the only operating segmentssegment until their expected disposition in fiscal 2012. The contributed net assets, which were deconsolidated effective March 1, 2011, will continue to be reported within the Company that met the applicable criteria for separate disclosure as reportable business segments. Metal Framing on a historical basis.

All other operating segments are combined and disclosed in the Other category, which also includes income and expense items not allocated to theour reportable business segments. The Other category includes the Worthington Steelpac Systems, LLC (“Steel Packaging”) and Worthington Global Group, LLC (the “Global Group”) operating segments.

As more fully described in the Recent Developments section herein, on May 9, 2011, we contributed substantially all of the net assets of our then automotive body panels subsidiary, The Gerstenslager Company (“Gerstenslager”), to ArtiFlex Manufacturing, LLC (“ArtiFlex”), a newly-formed joint venture in which we received a 50% noncontrolling interest. As a result of this transaction, we no longer maintain an Automotive Body Panels Steel Packaging, Mid-Rise Construction, Military Constructionoperating segment. We will continue to report the financial results and Commercial Stairs operating segments.performance of this former operating segment on a historical basis through May 9, 2011 as part of the Other category for segment reporting purposes.

During the Company’s third quarter ended February 28, 2010,of fiscal 2011, we made certain organizational changes that impactedimpacting the internal reporting and management structure of our previously reported Construction Services operating segment which had been reported in the Other category. This operating segment consisted of the Worthington Integrated Building Systems (“WIBS”) business unit, which included the Mid-Rise Construction, Military Construction and Commercial Stairs businesses.operating segments. As a result of continued

challenges facing those businesses, the interaction between those businesses and other operations within the Company and other industry factors,these organizational changes, management responsibilities and internal reporting for these businesses were re-aligned and separated for those entities within WIBS.combined into a single operating segment, the Global Group. The purpose of the Global Group is to identify and develop potential growth platforms by applying our core competencies in metals manufacturing and construction methods. The first set of initiatives includes expansion of high density mid-rise residential construction in emerging international markets and development of new business in sectors such as renewable energy. The composition of the Company’sour reportable business segments iswas unchanged from this development (see description within “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note H – Segment Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2010 of Worthington Industries for a full description of the reportable business segments), but the level of aggregation within the Other category for segment reporting purposes is impacted, as are the identified reporting units used for testing of potential goodwill impairment. Subsequent to this change, and as of February 28, 2010, the Other category, for purposes of reporting segment financial information, continues to include Mid-Rise Construction, Military Construction and Commercial Stairs. However, those operating units are no longer combined together as the Construction Services operating segment, but are each separate and distinct operating segments, as well as separate reporting units.development.

Worthington holdsWe hold equity positions in eight12 joint ventures, which are further discussed below underin the subheading “Joint Ventures.” Only one of the eightJoint Ventures section herein. The Spartan and WNCL joint ventures isare consolidated and itswith their operating results are reported inwithin the Steel Processing and Pressure Cylinders reportable business segment.segments, respectively.

During fiscal 2010,2011, the Steel Processing, Pressure Cylinders and Metal Framing operating segments served approximately 1,100, 2,4002,700 and 3,1002,200 customers, respectively, located primarily in the United States. Foreign operations accounted for approximately 6%8% of consolidated net sales forduring fiscal 20102011 and were comprised primarily of sales to customers in Canada and Europe. No single customer accounted for over 10% of consolidated net sales during fiscal 2010. Further reportable business segment data is provided in2011.

Refer to “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note HM – Segment Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. That data10-K for a full description of our reportable business segments.

Recent Developments

On July 1, 2011, our Pressure Cylinders operating segment purchased substantially all of the net assets of the BernzOmatic business (“Bernz”) from Irwin Industrial Tool Company, a subsidiary of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. (the “Seller”), for cash consideration of approximately $51.0 million. The assets purchased include substantially all of the operating assets of Bernz, including machinery and equipment, intellectual property, inventories and the Bernz-owned facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. We will lease the Medina, New York facility from the Seller. Accounts receivable as of the closing date are being retained by the Seller. Foreign inventories and operations will transition to us over a period of approximately 90 days. We also generally assumed the trade accounts payable of Bernz arising in the ordinary course of business as of the closing date.

On May 9, 2011, our automotive body panel subsidiary, The Gerstenslager Company, closed an agreement with International Tooling Solutions, LLC, a tooling design and build company, to combine their businesses in a newly-formed joint venture. This new joint venture, ArtiFlex, provides an integrated solution for engineering, tooling, stamping, assembly and other services to customers primarily in the automotive industry. Our investment in ArtiFlex is incorporated herein by reference.accounted for under the equity method, as our ownership interest does not constitute a controlling financial interest. As we do not have a controlling financial interest in ArtiFlex, the contributed net assets were deconsolidated effective May 9, 2011.

On March 18, 2011, we joined with Gestamp Renewables group to create Gestamp Worthington Wind Steel, LLC, a 50%-owned joint venture focused on producing towers for wind turbines being constructed in North America. This unconsolidated joint venture has identified Cheyenne, Wyoming as the site of the initial production facility. We anticipate contributing $9.5 million of cash to the Gestamp JV, mostly in fiscal 2012. Our investment in this joint venture is accounted for under the equity method, as our ownership interest does not constitute a controlling financial interest.

On March 1, 2011, we closed an agreement with Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc. (“MISA”) to combine certain assets of Dietrich and ClarkWestern Building Systems in a newly-created joint venture. In exchange for the contributed net assets, we received a 25% interest in the new joint venture, ClarkDietrich, as well as the assets of certain MISA Metals, Inc. (“MMI”) steel processing locations, some of which were subsequently classified as assets held for sale in our consolidated balance sheet. Our contribution to ClarkDietrich consisted of our metal framing business, including all of the related working capital and six of the 13 facilities. We retained and continue to operate the remaining facilities, on a short-term basis, to support the transition of the business into the new joint venture. Our investment in ClarkDietrich is accounted for under the equity method, as our ownership interest does not constitute a controlling financial interest. As we do not have a controlling financial interest in ClarkDietrich, the contributed net assets were deconsolidated effective March 1, 2011.

On December 28, 2010, we acquired a 60% ownership interest in Nitin Cylinders Limited, which is now Worthington Nitin Cylinders Limited, for cash consideration of approximately $21.2 million. WNCL is a manufacturer of high pressure, seamless steel cylinders for compressed industrial gases and compressed natural gas storage in motor vehicles. The results of this joint venture are consolidated in our Pressure Cylinders operating segment due to our controlling financial interest.

On November 19, 2010, we joined with Hubei Modern Urban Construction and Development Group Co., Ltd. (“HMUCG”) of China to create Worthington Modern Steel Framing Manufacturing Co. Ltd (“WMSFMCo.”). We contributed approximately $6.2 million of cash in exchange for our 40% ownership interest in the joint venture. The purpose of WMSFMCo. is to design, manufacture, assemble and distribute steel framing materials and accessories for construction projects in five Central Chinese provinces and to provide project management and building design and construction supply services for those projects. Our investment in this joint venture is accounted for under the equity method, as our ownership interest does not constitute a controlling financial interest.

On June 21, 2010, our Pressure Cylinders operating segment acquired, for cash consideration of $12.2 million, the net assets of Hy-Mark Cylinders, Inc. (“Hy-Mark”), which manufactured extruded aluminum cylinders for medical oxygen, scuba, beverage service, industrial specialty and professional racing applications. The assets of Hy-Mark have been moved to our pressure cylinders facility located in Mississippi.

Transformation Plan

In our fiscal year ended May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”), we initiated a Transformation Plantransformation plan (the “Transformation Plan”) with the overall goal to improve the Company’sof improving our sustainable earnings potential, asset utilization and operational performance. TheTo accomplish this, the Transformation Plan focuses on cost reduction, margin

expansion and organizational capability improvements and, in the process, seeks to drive excellence in three core competencies: sales; operations; and supply chain management. The Transformation Plan is comprehensive in scope and includes aggressive diagnostic and implementation phases.

To date, we have completed the transformation phases in the Steel Processing and Metal Framing operating segments.

We retained a consulting firm to assist in the development and implementationeach of the Transformation Plan. The services provided by this firm included assistance through diagnostic tools, performance improvement technologies, project management techniques, benchmarking information and insights that directly related to the Transformation Plan. We also formed internal teams dedicated to the Transformation Plan efforts. These internal teams assumed full responsibility for executing the Transformation Plan starting in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”).

We continued to execute our Transformation Plan through fiscal 2010. Incore facilities within our Steel Processing operating segment, we have completedincluding the diagnostic and implementation phases at eachfacilities of our core facilities. Additionally, we have initiated the diagnostic process at our west coast stainless steel operation and our newly acquired facility in Cleveland, as well as in our Mexican joint venture, Serviacero.Serviacero Planos, S. de R. L. de C.V. We anticipate that we will havealso substantially completed the Transformation Plan processtransformation phases at theseour metal framing facilities and one additional Steel Processing facility by December 31, 2010. In our Metal Framing operating segment, we have substantially completed the Transformation Plan process at eight facilities and anticipate completing the process at four additional facilities by December 31, 2010.

Transformation Plan initiatives executedprior to date include facility closings, headcount reductions, other cost reductions, an enhanced and more focused commercial sales effort, improved operating efficiencies, a

consolidated sourcing and supply chain strategy and a continued emphasis on safety. We have seen positive results from these efforts; however, their impact has been dampened by the negative impact of the economic recession.contribution to ClarkDietrich.

As of May 31, 2010,2011, we had recorded a total of $65.4have recognized approximately $67.9 million of total restructuring charges associated with the Transformation Plan:Plan, including charges of $18.1 million, was incurred$43.0 million, $4.2 million and $2.6 million during fiscal 2008; $43.0 million was incurred during2008, fiscal 2009;2009, fiscal 2010 and $4.2 million was incurred during fiscal 2010. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges relating to the Transformation Plan as we progress through the remaining Metal Framing and Steel Processing facilities, although these charges should decline over the coming quarters. The need for other restructuring charges will depend largely on recommendations developed from the Transformation Plan.2011, respectively. See “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note MD – Restructuring”Restructuring and Other Expense” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information onregarding our restructuring charges. That information is incorporated herein by reference.

Recent Developments

On June 1, 2009, we purchased substantially allWe have seen positive results from these efforts, even with the negative impact of the assets relatedrecent economic recession. Accordingly, during our upcoming fiscal year, we plan to initiate the business of Piper Metal Forming Corporation, U.S. Respiratory, Inc. and Pacific Cylinders, Inc. (collectively, “Piper”) for cash of $9,713,000. Piper is a manufacturer of aluminum high pressure cylinders and impact extruded steel and aluminum parts, serving the medical, automotive, defense, oil services and other commercial markets, with one manufacturing locationdiagnostics phase in New Albany, Mississippi. Piper operates as part of our Pressure Cylinders operating segment. Piper’s aluminum products increase our line of industrial gas product offerings and present an opportunity

As this process began, we retained a consulting firm to increase our participationassist in the medical cylinder market.

On August 12, 2009, we joined with ClarkWestern Building Systems, Inc., to create DMFCWBS, LLC (the “Clark JV”). We contributed certain intangible assetsdevelopment and committed to pay a portion of certain costs and expenses in return for 50%implementation of the equity unitsTransformation Plan. As it progressed, we formed internal teams dedicated to this effort, and voting power ofthey ultimately assumed full responsibility for executing the joint venture. The purpose of the Clark JV is to develop, test and obtain approvals for metal framing stud designs, as well as to develop, own and license intellectual property related to such designs. The Clark JV does not manufacture or sell any products, but will license its designs to its members and possibly to third parties. The Clark JV is accounted for using the equity method of accounting, as both parties have equal voting rights and control.

On September 3, 2009, we acquired the membership interests of Structural Composites Industries, LLC (“SCI”) for cash of $24,221,000. SCI is a manufacturer of lightweight, aluminum-lined, composite-wrapped high pressure cylinders used in commercial, military, marine and aerospace applications. Product lines include cylinders for alternative fuel vehicles using compressed natural gas or hydrogen, self-contained breathing apparatuses, aviation oxygen and escape slides, military applications, home oxygen therapy and advanced and cryogenic structures. SCI operates asTransformation Plan. These internal teams are now an integral part of our Pressure Cylinders operating segment.business and constitute what we refer to as the Centers of Excellence (“COE”). The acquisition of SCI allows us toCOE will continue to growmonitor the Pressure Cylinders businessperformance metrics and provides an entry into weight critical applications, further broadening the portfolio beyond the operating segment’s original, core markets.

On November 2, 2009,new processes instituted across our Metal Framing operating segment announced the formation of a strategic alliance with Bailey Metal Products Limited (“Bailey”) that included the saletransformed operations and drive continuous improvements in all areas of our Metal Framing operations in Canada to Bailey.operations. The sale included two manufacturing facilities located in Burnaby, British Columbia, and Mississauga, Ontario, and two sales and distribution centers located in LaSalle, Quebec, and Edmonton, Alberta. The alliance provides for Bailey to be the exclusive distributor of Metal Framing’s proprietary and vinyl products in Canada. Bailey has licensed its paper-faced metal corner bead product to Metal Framing to manufacture and sell in mostmajority of the United States.

On February 1, 2010, we acquiredexpenses related to the steel processing assets of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Gibraltar”) for cash of $29,164,000. Those assets are now operated within our Steel Processing operating segment. The acquisition expanded the capabilities of Worthington Steel’s cold-rolled

strip business and its ability to service the needs of new and existing customers. The assets acquired were Gibraltar’s inventories, its Cleveland, Ohio, facility, the equipment of Gibraltar’s Buffalo, New York, facility and a warehouse in Detroit, Michigan. Also acquired was the stock of Cleveland Pickling, Inc., whose only asset is a 31.25% interest in Samuel Steel Pickling Company, a joint venture which operates a steel pickling facility in Twinsburg, Ohio, and one in Cleveland, Ohio.

On June 21, 2010, our Pressure Cylinders operating segment acquired the assets of Hy-Mark Cylinders, Inc. (“Hy-Mark”) for cash of $12,125,000. Hy-Mark manufactures extruded aluminum cylinders for medical oxygen, scuba, beverage service, industrial specialty and professional racing applications and was based in Hampton, Virginia. The assets acquired included Hy-Mark’s manufacturing equipment and inventories, whichCOE will be relocated to the Worthington Cylinders Mississippi manufacturing location, complementing the medical cylinder linesincluded in selling, general and adding a range of new products.administrative (“SG&A”) expense going forward.

Steel Processing

TheOur Steel Processing operating segment consists of the Worthington Steel business unit, andwhich includes Precision Specialty Metals,PSM, a specialty stainless processor located in Los Angeles, California, (“PSM”), and Spartan, Steel Coating (“Spartan”), a consolidated joint venture whichthat operates a cold-rolled hot dipped galvanizing line. For fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, and fiscal 2008, the percentage of consolidated net sales generated by theour Steel Processing operating segment was approximately 58%, 51%, 45% and 48%45%, respectively.

Worthington Steel is one of the largest independent intermediate processors of flat-rolled steel in the United States. It occupies a niche in the steel industry by focusing on products requiring exact specifications. These products cannot typically be supplied as efficiently by steel mills or end-users of these products.

TheOur Steel Processing operating segment including Spartan, owns and operates nine manufacturing facilities – one each in California, Indiana, and Maryland, two facilities in Michigan, and four facilities in Ohio – and leases one manufacturing facility in Alabama.

Worthington Steel serves approximately 1,100 customers, from these facilities, principally in the agricultural, appliance, automotive, construction, hardware, furniture, HVAC, lawn and garden, hardware, furniture, office equipment, electrical control, tubing, leisure and recreation, appliance, agricultural, HVAC, containeroffice equipment and aerospacetubing markets. Automotive-related customers have historically represented approximately half of this operating segment’s net sales. No single customer represented greater than 10% of net sales for the Steel Processing operating segment during fiscal 2010.2011.

Worthington Steel buys coils of steel from integrated steel mills and mini-mills and processes them to the precise type, thickness, length, width, shape temper and surface quality required by customer specifications. Computer-aided processing capabilities include, among others:

Worthington Steel also toll processes steel for steel mills, large end-users, service centers and other processors. Toll processing is different from typical steel processing in that the mill, end-user or other party retains title to the steel and has the responsibility for selling the end product. Toll processing enhances Worthington Steel’s participation 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.

The steel processing industry is fragmented and highly competitive. There are many competitors, including other independent intermediate processors. Competition is primarily on the basis of price, product quality and the ability to meet delivery requirements. Technical service and support for material testing and customer-specific applications enhance the quality of products (See “Item 1. – Business – Technical Services”). However, the extent to which technical service capability has improved Worthington Steel’s competitive position has not been quantified. Worthington Steel’s ability to meet tight delivery schedules is, in part, based on the proximity of our facilities to customers, suppliers and one another. The extent to which plant location has impacted Worthington Steel’s competitive position has not been quantified. Processed steel products are priced competitively, primarily based on market factors, including, among other things, market pricing, the cost and availability of raw materials, transportation and shipping costs, and overall economic conditions in the United States and abroad.

As noted under “Recent Developments”,in the recentlyRecent Developmentssection herein, on March 1, 2011 we acquired Gibraltarcertain steel processing business is included in the Steel Processing operating segment.assets of MISA Metals, Inc.

Pressure Cylinders

TheOur Pressure Cylinders operating segment consists of the Worthington Cylinders business unit.unit and WNCL, a consolidated joint venture based in India. For fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, and fiscal 2008, the percentage of consolidated net sales generated by Worthingtonour Pressure Cylinders operating segment was approximately 24%, 20%24% and 19%20%, respectively.

Worthington Cylinders operates ten manufacturing facilities with three facilities in Ohio and one facility in each of California, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic and Portugal.

TheOur Pressure Cylinders operating segment produces a diversified line of pressure cylinders, includingincluding: low-pressure liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) and refrigerant gas cylinders; high-pressure and industrial/specialty gas cylinders; seamless steel high pressure cylinders for compressed natural gas storage in motor vehicles; aluminum-lined, composite-wrapped high-pressure cylinders; airbrake tanks; and certain consumer products. The following is a more detailed discussion of these products:

While a large percentage of cylinder sales within Pressure Cylinders are made to major accounts, Worthington Cylinders hasthis operating segment serves approximately 2,4002,700 customers. During fiscal 2010,2011, no single customer represented more than 11%10% of net sales for thegenerated by our Pressure Cylinders operating segment.

WorthingtonThe Pressure Cylinders operating segment produces low-pressure steel cylinders within a wide range of refrigerant capacities of 15 to 1,000 pounds and steel and aluminum cylinders within a wide range of LPG capacities of 14.1 ounces to 420 pounds.capacities. Low-pressure cylinders are produced by precision stamping, drawing, welding and/or brazing component parts to customer specifications. They are then tested, painted and packaged, as required. High-pressure steel cylinders are manufactured by several processes, including deep drawing, tube spinning and billet piercing.

In the United States and Canada, high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders are primarily manufactured in accordance with United States Department of Transportation and Transport Canada specifications. Outside the United States and Canada, cylinders are manufactured according to European norm specifications, as well as various other international standards.

In the United States and Canada, Worthington Cylinders has one principal domestic competitor in the low-pressure non-refillable refrigerant market, one principal domestic competitor in the low-pressure LPG cylinder market and onethree principal domestic competitorcompetitors in the high-pressure cylinder market. There are also several foreign competitors in these markets. We believe that Worthington Cylinders believes that it has the largest domestic market share in both low-pressure cylinder markets. In the European high-pressure cylinder market, there are also several competitors. We believe that Worthington Cylinders believes that it is a leading producer in both the high-pressure cylinder and low-pressure non-refillable cylinder markets in Europe. Worthington Cylinders generally has a strong competitive position for its retail and specialty products, but competition varies on a product-by-product basis. As with Worthington’sour other operating segments, competition is based upon price, service and quality.

The Pressure Cylinders operating segment uses the trade name “Worthington Cylinders” to conduct business and the registered trademark “Balloon Time^®” to market low-pressure helium balloon kits; the registered trademark “FLAMESAVER“Bernzomatic^®” to market certain low-pressure gas cylinders;fuel cylinders and hand held torches; the registered trademark “WORTHINGTON PRO GRADE^®” to market certain LPG cylinders, hand torches and camping fuel cylinders; and the registered trademark “MAP-PRO^®” Pro-Max^® to market certain hand torch cylinders; and uses the registered trademark SCI^® to market certain cylinders for transportation of compressed gases for inflation of flotation bags and escape slides, Self Contained Breathing Cylinders (SCBA) for fire fightingfirefighting and cylinders to contain compressed natural gas. The Pressure Cylinders operating segment intends to continue to use these trademarks and renew itsthese registered trademarks.

As noted under “Recent Developments”,Recent Developmentssection herein, Hy-Mark and the recently acquired Piper and SCI businesses are included inconsolidated joint venture with Nitin Cylinders Limited, WNCL, became part of the Pressure Cylinders operating segment forduring fiscal 2010. The Hy-Mark business will be included in the Pressure Cylinders operating segment beginning in the fiscal year ending May 31, 2011.

Metal Framing

The Metal Framing operating segment consistingconsists of theour Dietrich Metal Framing business unit, designsunit. As more fully described in “Item 8. – Financial Statements and producesSupplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” on March 1, 2011, we contributed certain assets of Dietrich to a newly-formed joint venture, ClarkDietrich. We retained seven of the 13 metal framing componentsfacilities, which continue to operate, on a short-term basis, to support the transition of the business into the new joint venture. Following this brief transition period, these assets will be disposed of. The financial results and systems and related accessories foroperating performance of the commercial and residential construction marketsretained facilities will continue to be reported within the United States. For fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, the percentage of consolidated net sales generated by theour Metal Framing operating segment was approximately 17%, 25% and 26%, respectively.

until their expected disposition in fiscal 2012. The contributed net assets, which were deconsolidated effective March 1, 2011, will continue to be reported within Metal Framing products include steel studs and track, floor and wall system components, roof trusses and other building product accessories, such as metal corner bead, lath, lath accessories, clips, fasteners and vinyl bead and trim.

The Metal Framing operating segment has 14 operating facilities located throughouton a historical basis. Refer to the United States: one facility in eachJoint Venturessection herein for additional information about the operations of Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland and New Jersey, and two facilities in each of California, Ohio and Texas.

Dietrich is the largest metal framing manufacturer in the United States, supplying approximately one-third of the metal framing products sold in the United States. Dietrich serves approximately 3,100

customers, primarily consisting of wholesale distributors, commercial and residential building contractors and mass merchandisers. During fiscal 2010, Dietrich’s three largest customers represented approximately 17%, 8% and 8%, respectively, of the net sales for the operating segment, while no other customer represented more than 3% of net sales for the Metal Framing operating segment.

The light gauge metal framing industry is very competitive. Dietrich competes with seven large regional or national competitors and numerous small, more localized competitors, primarily on the basis of price, service, breadth of product line and quality. As is the case in the Steel Processing operating segment, the proximity of facilities to customers and their project sites provides a service advantage and impacts freight and shipping costs. Dietrich’s products are transported by both common and dedicated carriers. Our Metal Framing business has been an industry leader in driving code compliance for light gauge metal framing.

Dietrich uses numerous trademarks and patents in its business. Dietrich licenses from Hadley Industries the “UltraSTEEL^®” registered trademark and the United States patents to manufacture “UltraSTEEL^®” metal framing which is sold as an additional line to Dietrich’s standard metal framing products. Dietrich licenses from the Clark JV the patent pending nonstructural framing product under the trademarks of “ProSTUD™” and “ProTRAK™.” “FastClip™” is a trademarked line of structural connectors that are protected under various United States patents.

The “Spazzer^®” registered trademark is used in connection with wall component products that are the subject of four United States patents, two foreign patents and several pending foreign patent applications. The registered trademark “TradeReady^®” is used in connection with floor-system products that are the subject of five United States patents and several foreign patents. The “Clinch-On^®” registered trademark is used east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States in connection with corner bead and metal trim products for gypsum wallboard. Dietrich licenses from Brady Construction Innovations, Inc. the “PROX™” and the “SLP-TRK^®” registered trademarks as well as the patents to manufacture “Pro XR™” header system. Dietrich also has a number of other patents, trademarks and trade names relating to specialized products. The Metal Framing operating segment intends to continue to use these trademarks and renew its registered trademarks.ClarkDietrich.

Other

The Other category consists of operating segments that do not meet the applicable aggregation criteria and materiality tests for purposes of separate disclosure, as reportable business segments, and other corporate related entities. TheseThrough May 9, 2011, these operating segments areincluded Automotive Body Panels, Steel Packaging, Mid-Rise Construction, Military Construction and Commercial Stairs.

Thethe Global Group. On May 9, 2011, in connection with the contribution of our automotive body panels subsidiary, Gerstenslager, to ArtiFlex and the resulting deconsolidation of the contributed net assets, we no longer maintain a separate Automotive Body Panels operating segment. Accordingly, subsequent to May 9, 2011, the operating segments comprising the Other category consists of Steel Packaging and the Global Group. Each of these operating segments is explained in more detail below. We will continue to report the historical financial results and operating performance of our former Automotive Body Panels operating segment consists of The Gerstenslager Company (“Gerstenslager”), which is ISO/TS 16949:2002 and ISO14001 certified. Gerstenslager provides stamping, blanking, assembly, painting, packaging, die management, warehousing, distribution management and other services to customers, primarilyon a historical basis through May 9, 2011. This former operating segment has historically been reported in the automotive industry. Gerstenslager operates two facilities in Ohio. Gerstenslager is a major supplier to“Other” category for segment reporting purposes, as it has not meet the automotive past-model year market and manages more than 3,800 finished good part numbers and more than 13,400 stamping dies/fixture setsapplicable aggregation criteria or materiality thresholds for past- and current-model year automotive and truck manufacturers, both domestic and transplant.separate disclosure. Accordingly, this organizational change did not impact the composition of our reportable segments.

Steel Packaging.The Steel Packaging operating segment consists of Worthington Steelpac Systems (“Steelpac”),is an ISO-9001: 2000 certified manufacturer of engineered, recyclable steel packaging solutions. Steelpacsolutions for external and internal movement of product. Steel Packaging operates three facilities, with one facility in each of Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. SteelpacSteel Packaging designs and manufactures reusable custom platforms, racks and pallets made of steel for supporting, protecting and handling products throughout the shipping process for industries such as automotive, lawn and garden and recreational vehicles.

Global Group.The purpose of the Global Group operating segment, which comprises our Mid-Rise Construction, Military Construction and Commercial Stairs business units, is to identify and develop potential growth platforms by applying our core competencies in metals manufacturing and construction methods. The Global Group operates a business platform that includes high density mid-rise residential construction in emerging markets. Other operating segment, consistingactivities of Worthington Mid-Rise Construction located in Cleveland, Ohio, designs, suppliesthe Global Group include the design, supply and buildsbuild of mid-rise light gauge steel framed commercial structures and multi-family housing units.

The Military Construction operating segment, consisting of Worthington Military Construction located in Franklin, Tennessee, is involved inunits; the supply and construction of metal framing products for, and in the framing of, single family housing, with a focus on military housing.

The Commercial Stairs operating segment, consisting of Worthington Stairs located in Akron, Ohio, is a manufacturerhousing; and the manufacturing of pre-engineered steel egress stair solutions.

Segment Financial Data

Financial information for the reportable business segments is provided in “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note HM – Segment Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. That financial information is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

In fiscal 2010,2011, our foreign operations represented 6%8% of consolidated net sales, 7%5% of pre-tax earnings attributable to controlling interest pre-tax, and 28%32% of consolidated net assets. During fiscal 2011, fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, we had operations in North America, China, Europe and India. Summary information about Worthington’sour foreign operations, including net sales and fixed assets by geographic region, is set forthprovided in “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Risks and Uncertainties” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. That summary information is incorporated herein by reference. For fiscal 2010, fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, Worthington had operations in North America and Europe. Net sales and net fixed assets by geographic region are provided in “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note H – Segment Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. That information is incorporated herein by reference.

Suppliers

The primary raw material purchased by Worthington is steel. We purchase steel from major primary producers of steel, both domestic and foreign. The amount purchased from any particular supplier varies from year to year depending on a number of factors including market conditions, then current relationships and prices and terms offered. In nearly all market conditions, steel is available from a number of suppliers and generally any supplier relationship or contract can and has been replaced with little or no significant interruption to our business. In fiscal 2010, Worthington2011, we purchased approximately 1.8 million tons of steel (65%(68% hot-rolled, 21%18% galvanized and 14% cold-rolled) on a consolidated basis. Steel is purchased in large quantities at regular intervals from major primary producers, both domestic and foreign. In the Steel Processing operating segment, steel is primarily purchased and processed based on specific customer orders. The Pressure Cylinders and Metal Framing operating segments purchasesegment purchases steel to meet production schedules. For certain raw materials, there are more limited suppliers – for example, hydrogen and zinc, which are generally purchased at market prices. Since there isare a limited number of suppliers in the hydrogen and zinc markets, if delivery from a major supplier is disrupted due to a force majeure type occurrence, it may be difficult to obtain an alternative supply. Raw materials are generally purchased in the open market on a negotiated spot-market basis at prevailing market prices. Supply contracts are also entered into, some of which have fixed pricing.pricing and some of which are indexed (monthly or quarterly). During fiscal 2010, the Company2011, we purchased steel from the following major suppliers, in alphabetical order: AK Steel Corporation; ArcelorMittal; California Steel Industries, Inc; Duferco Farrell Corp; Gallatin Steel Company; North Star BlueScope Steel LLC; Nucor Corporation; Severstal North America, Inc.; Steel Dynamics, Inc.; Stemcor Holdings Limited; United States Steel Corporation (“U.S. Steel”); USS-POSCO Industries, and USS-POSCO Industries.RG Steel LLC. Alcoa, Inc. was the primary aluminum supplier for the Pressure Cylinders operating segment in fiscal 2010.2011. Major suppliers of zinc to the Steel Processing operating segment were, in

alphabetical order: Considar Metal Marketing Inc. (a/k/a HudBay); Industrias Peñoles; Teck Cominco Limited; U.S. Zinc; and Xstrata Zinc Canada. Approximately 2931 million pounds of zinc were purchased in fiscal 2010. Worthington believes its2011. We believe our supplier relationships are good.

Technical Services

Worthington employsWe employ a staff of engineers and other technical personnel and maintainsmaintain fully equipped laboratories to support operations. These facilities enable verification, analysis and documentation of the physical, chemical, metallurgical and mechanical properties of raw materials and products. Technical service personnel also work in conjunction with the sales force to determine the types of flat-rolled steel required for customer needs. Additionally, technical service personnel design and engineer metal framing structures and provide sealed shop drawings to the building construction markets. To provide these services, Worthington maintainswe maintain a continuing program of developmental engineering with respect to product characteristics and performance under varying conditions. Laboratory facilities also perform metallurgical and chemical testing as dictated by the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, Transport Canada, and other associated agencies, along with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and customer requirements. All design work complies with applicable current local and national building code requirements. An IASIASI (International Accreditations Service, Incorporated) accredited product-testing laboratory supports these design efforts.

Seasonality and Backlog

Sales areHistorically, sales have generally been weaker in the third quarter of theour fiscal year, primarily due to reduced activity in the building and construction industry as a result of theinclement weather, as well as customer plant shutdowns in the automotive industry due to holidays. Sales are generally strongest in the fourth quarter of theour fiscal year when all of theas our operating segments are normallygenerally operating at seasonal peaks.

We do not believe backlog is a significant indicator of our business.

Employees

As of May 31, 2010, Worthington employed2011, we had approximately 6,4008,400 employees, in its operations, including our unconsolidated joint ventures. Approximately 13%7% of these employees wereare represented by collective bargaining units. Worthington believes it has good relationships with its employees in general, including those covered by collective bargaining units.

Joint Ventures

As part of aour strategy to selectively develop new products, markets and technological capabilities and to expand an international presence, while mitigating the risks and costs associated with those activities, Worthington participateswe participate in onetwo consolidated and seventen unconsolidated joint ventures.

Consolidated

Unconsolidated

See “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note JB – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates” for furtheradditional information about Worthington’s participation inour unconsolidated joint ventures.

Environmental Regulation

Worthington’sOur 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. WorthingtonWe continually examinesexamine ways to reduce emissions and waste and to decrease costs related to

environmental compliance. The cost of compliance or capital expenditures for environmental control facilities required to meet environmental requirements are not anticipated to be material when compared with overall costs and capital expenditures and, accordingly, are not anticipated to have a material effect on theour financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or the competitive position of the Company.Worthington or any particular segment.

Item 1A. — Risk Factors

Future results and the market price for Worthington Industries’ common shares are subject to numerous risks, many of which are driven by factors that cannot be controlled or predicted. The following discussion, as well as other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Item“PART II – Item 7. – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” describe certain business risks. Consideration should be given to the risk factors described below as well as those in the Safe Harbor Statement at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in conjunction with reviewing the forward-looking statements and other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks are not the only risks we face. Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial in our operations.

Economic or Industry Downturns

The current global recession hasthat began in 2008 adversely affected and is likely tomay continue to adversely affect our business and our industries, as well as the industries and businesses of many of our customers and suppliers.    The volatile domestic and global recessionary climate is havinghad significant negative impacts on our business. The global recession, hasand the sluggish pace of the recovery from the global recession, resulted in a significant decrease in customer demand throughout nearly all of our markets, including our two largest markets – construction and automotive. The impacts of recentexisting and any new government approved and proposed measures to aid economic recovery, including various measures intended to provide stimulus to the economy in general or to certain industries, are currentlyand the growing debt levels of the United States and other countries, continue to be unknown. Overall, operating levels across many of our businessesbusiness segments have fallen and may remain at depressed levels until economic conditions improve and demand increases.

Continued volatility While certain sectors of the economy have stabilized and recovered from the economic downturn, we are unable to predict the strength, pace or sustainability of the economic recovery or the effects of government intervention or debt levels. Overall general economic conditions, both domestically and globally, have improved from the lows reached during the recession. The automotive market has shown signs of strengthening, and the construction market has shown signs of stabilizing. However, global economic conditions remain fragile, and the possibility remains that the domestic or global economies, or certain industry sectors of those economies that are key to our sales, may not recover as quickly as anticipated, or could further deteriorate, which could result in the United Statesa corresponding decrease in demand for our products and worldwide capital and credit markets has impacted and is likely to continue to significantlynegatively impact our end marketsresults of operations and result in continued negative impacts on demand, increased credit and collection risks and other adverse effects on our business.    The domestic and worldwide capital and credit markets have experienced and are experiencing significant volatility, disruptions and dislocations with respect to price and credit availability. These have caused diminished availability of credit and other capital in our end markets, including automotive and construction, and for participants in, and the customers of, those markets. There is continued uncertainty as to when and if the capital and credit markets will improve and the impact this period of volatility will have on our end markets and business in general.financial condition.

The construction and automotive industries account for a significant portion of our net sales, and reductions in demand from these industries have adversely impacted and are likely tomay continue to adversely affect our business.    The overall downturn in the economy, the disruption in capital and credit markets, declining real estate values, high unemployment rates and reduced consumer confidence and spending have caused significant reductions in demand from our end markets in general and, in particular, the construction and automotive end markets.

Demand in the commercial and residential construction markets has weakenedbeen weak as it has become morebeen difficult for companies and consumers to obtain credit for construction projects and the economic slowdown has caused delays in or cancellations of construction projects.

Non-residential construction, including publicly financed state and municipal projects, has slowed significantly due to overcapacity of commercial properties and the reluctance of state and local governments to borrow money to spend on capital projects when faced with stagnant or declining tax revenues and increased operating costs. The domestic auto industry is currently experiencingcontinues to experience a very difficult operating environment, which has resulted in and will likelymay continue to result in lower levels of vehicle production and an associated decrease in demand for products sold to the automotive

industry. Many automotive manufacturers and their suppliers have reduced production levels and eliminated manufacturing capacity, through the closure of facilities, extension of temporary shutdowns, reduction in operations and other cost reduction actions. The construction industry has shown signs of stabilizing from further erosion, and the automotive industry has strengthened and shown signs of recovery from the lows reached in recent years. However, both the construction and automotive markets remain depressed compared to historical norms, and we cannot predict the strength, pace or sustainability of recovery in these markets. The difficulties faced by thesethe automotive and construction industries are likely tohave adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our business. If demand for the products we sell to the automotive or construction markets were to be further reduced, this could negatively affect our sales, financial results and cash flows.

Financial difficulties and bankruptcy filings by our customers could have an adverse impact on our business.    Many of our customers are experiencing extremelyhave experienced and continue to experience challenging financial conditions. General Motors and Chrysler have gone through bankruptcy proceedings and both companies have implemented

plans towhich significantly reducereduced their production capacity and their dealership networks. Certain other customers have filed or are contemplating filingmay in the future file bankruptcy petitions. These and other customers may be in need of additional capital or credit to continue operations. The bankruptcies and financial difficulties of certain customers and/or failure in their effortsfailure to obtain credit or otherwise improve their overall financial condition could result in numerous changes within the markets we serve, including additional plant closings, decreased production, reduced demand, changes in product mix, unfavorable changes in the prices, terms or conditions we are able to obtain and other changes that may result in decreased purchases from us and otherwise negatively impact our business. These conditions also increase the risk that our customers may delay or default on their payment obligations to us, particularly customers in hard hit industries such as automotive and construction.

The overallrelative weakness amongin the automotive manufacturers and their suppliers has increasedindustry continues the risk that at least some of our customers whichwho are suppliers to the automotive industry could have further financial difficulties. The same is true of our customers in other industries, including construction, which are also experiencing significant financial weakness. The automotive industry has shown signs of strengthening from the low levels of recent years, and the construction industry has shown signs of stabilizing. However, economic conditions remain fragile, and the possibility remains that these markets may not recover as quickly as anticipated, or could further deteriorate. Should the economy or any applicable marketof our markets not improve, the risk of bankruptcy filings by our customers willmay continue to increase. Such bankruptcy filings may result not only in a reduction in our sales, but also in a loss associated with theour potential inability to collect outstanding accounts receivable.receivable from the affected customers. While we have taken and will continue to take steps intended to mitigate the impact of financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy filings by our customers, these matters could have a negative impact on our business.

The events in Japan could adversely affect our business and financial results.    A number of our customers, particularly in the automotive market, rely upon suppliers in Japan for certain components of their products. The earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear power plant problems in Japan prevented some companies from receiving sufficient supplies of components, and demand in some industries, such as automotive, has been adversely affected. Other risks resulting from this tragedy include potential disruptions to other industries which include our customers or suppliers, negative macroeconomic effects on international trade and/or our customers, and unforeseen challenges which could develop as the situation in Japan evolves and the full scope of the damage and its effects is comprehended. While there exists a risk that the effects of the disaster could continue to have an adverse effect on us, we are unable at this time to reliably evaluate the scope or probability of those risks.

Volatility in the United States and worldwide capital and credit markets has significantly impacted and may continue to significantly impact our end markets and has resulted and may continue to result in negative impacts on demand, increased credit and collection risks and other adverse effects on our business.    The domestic and worldwide capital and credit markets have experienced significant volatility, disruptions and dislocations with respect to price and credit availability. These factors have caused diminished availability of credit and other capital in our end markets, including automotive and construction, and for participants in, and the customers

of, those markets. There is continued uncertainty as to the sustainability of the recovery of the capital and credit markets and the impact this period of volatility will have on our end markets and business in general. Further volatility in the United States or worldwide capital and credit markets may continue to significantly impact our key end markets and result in further reductions in sales volumes, increased credit and collection risks and other adverse effects on our business.

Raw Material Pricing and Availability

The costs of manufacturing our products and theour ability to supply our customers could be negatively impacted if we experience interruptions in deliveries of needed raw materials or supplies.    If, for any reason, our supply of flat-rolled steel or other key raw materials, such as aluminum, and zinc or helium, is curtailed or we are otherwise unable to obtain the quantities we need at competitive prices, our business could suffer and our financial results could be adversely affected. Such interruptions mightcould result from a number of factors, including events such as a shortage of capacity in the supplier base or of the raw materials, energy or the inputs needed to make steel or other supplies, a failure of suppliers to fulfill their supply or delivery obligations, financial difficulties of suppliers resulting in the closing or idling of supplier facilities, other significant events affecting supplier facilities, significant weather events, those factors listed in the immediately following paragraph or other factors beyond our control. Further, the number of suppliers has decreased in recent years due to industry consolidation and the financial difficulties of certain suppliers, and this consolidation may continue. Accordingly, if delivery from a major supplier is disrupted, it may be more difficult to obtain an alternative supply than in the past.

Our future operating results may be affected by fluctuations in raw material prices.prices, and we may be unable to pass on any increases in raw material costs to our customers.    Our principal raw material is flat-rolled steel, which we purchase from multiple primary steel producers. The steel industry as a whole has been cyclical, and at times availability and pricing can be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our control.These factors include general economic conditions, domestic and worldwide demand, the influence of hedge funds and other investment funds participating in commodity markets, curtailed production from major suppliers due to factors such as the closing or idling of facilities, accidents or equipment breakdowns, repairs or catastrophic events, labor costs or problems, competition, new laws and regulations, import duties, tariffs, energy costs, availability and cost of steel inputs (e.g., ore, scrap, coke and energy), currency exchange rates and other factors described immediately in the immediately preceding paragraph. This volatility, canas well as any increases in raw material costs, could significantly affect our steel costs.

costs and adversely impact our financial results. If our suppliers increase the prices of our critical raw materials, we may not have alternative sources of supply. In addition, in an environment of increasing prices for steel and other raw materials, competitive conditions may impact how much of the price increases we can pass on to our customers. To the extent we are unable to pass on future price increases in our raw materials to our customers, our financial results could be adversely affected. Also, if steel prices decrease, in general, competitive conditions may impact how quickly we must reduce our prices to our customers, and we could be forced to use higher-priced raw materials to complete orders for which the selling prices have decreased. Decreasing steel prices maycould also require us to write-down

the value of our inventory to reflect current market pricing, as was the case during fiscal 2009. These write- downs are discussed further in “Item 7. – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Inventories

Our business could be harmed if we fail to maintain proper inventory levels.    We are required to maintain sufficient inventories to accommodate the needs of our customers including, in many cases, short lead times and just-in-time delivery requirements. Although we typically have customer orders in hand prior to placement of our raw material orders for Steel Processing, we anticipate and forecast customer demand for alleach of our operating segments. We purchase raw materials on a regular basis in an effort to maintain our inventory at levels that we believe are sufficient to satisfy the anticipated needs of our customers based upon orders, customer volume expectations, historic buying practices and market conditions. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in the use of higher-priced inventory to fill orders reflecting lower

selling prices, if steel prices have significantly decreased. These events could adversely affect our financial results. Conversely, if we underestimate demand for our products or if our suppliers fail to supply quality products in a timely manner, we may experience inventory shortages. Inventory shortages mightcould result in unfilled orders, negatively impacting our customer relationships and resulting in lost revenues, any of which could harm our business and adversely affect our financial results.

Suppliers and Customers

The loss of significant volume from our key customers could adversely affect us.    In fiscal 2010,2011, our largest customer accounted for approximately 6% of our consolidated net sales, and our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 27%24% of our consolidated net sales. A significant loss of, or decrease in, business from any of theseour key customers could have an adverse effect on our sales and financial results if we cannot obtain replacement business. Also, due to consolidation in the industries we serve, including the construction, automotive and retail industries, our sales may be increasingly sensitive to deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse developments with respect to, one or more of our top customers. In addition, certain of our top customers may be able to exert pricing and other influences on us, requiring us to market, deliver and promote our products in a manner that may be more costly to us. Moreover, we generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers. As a result, although our customers periodically provide indications of their product needs and purchases, they generally purchase our products on an order-by-order basis, and the relationship, as well as particular orders, can be terminated at any time.

Many of our key industries, such as construction and automotive, are cyclical in nature.    TheseMany of our key industries, such as construction and automotive, are cyclical and can be impacted by both market demand and raw material supply, particularly with respect to steel. The demand for our products is directly related to, and quickly impacted by, customer demand in our industries, which can change as the result of changes in the general United States or worldwide economy and other factors beyond our control. Adverse changes in demand or pricing can have a negative effect on our business.

Significant sales reductions for any of the Detroit 3three automakers could have a negative impact on our business.    Approximately half of the net sales of our Steel Processing operating segment and substantially alla significant amount of the net sales of the Automotive Body Panels operating segmentcertain joint ventures are to automotive-related customers. Although we do sell to the domestic operations of foreign automakers, a significant portion of our automotive sales are to Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler (the “Detroit 3”) and their suppliers. A reduction in sales for any of the Detroit three automakers could negatively impact our business. In addition, beginning in 2011, automobile producers must begin complying with new Corporate Average Fuel Economy mileage requirements for new cars and light trucks that they produce. As automakers work to produce vehicles that comply with these new standards, they may reduce the amount of steel used in cars and trucks to improve fuel economy, thereby reducing demand for steel and resulting in further over-supply of steel in North America.

The closing or relocation of customer facilities could adversely affect us.    Our ability to meet delivery requirements and the overall cost of our products as delivered to a customer facilityfacilities are important competitive factors. If customers close or move their production facilities further away from our manufacturing facilities which can supply them, it cancould have an adverse effect on our ability to meet competitive conditions, which could result in the loss of sales. Likewise, if customers move their production facilities overseas, it cancould result in the loss of potential sales for the Company.us.

Sales conflicts with our customers and/or suppliers canmay adversely impact us.    In some instances, we may compete with one or more of our customers and/or suppliers in pursuing the same business. Such conflicts canmay strain our relationships with those parties, which cancould adversely affect our future business with them.

The closing or idling of steel manufacturing facilities could have a negative impact on us.    As steel makers have reduced their production capacities by closing or idling production lines in light of the current recessionarychallenging economic conditions, the number of facilities from which we can purchase steel, in particular certain specialty

steels, has decreased. Accordingly, if delivery from a supplier is disrupted, particularly with respect to certain types of specialty steel, it may be more difficult to obtain an alternate supply than in the past. Also, theseThese closures canand disruptions could also have an adverse effect on the supplier’sour suppliers’ on-time delivery performance, which cancould have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our own delivery commitments and may have other adverse effects on our business.

The loss of key supplier relationships could adversely affect us.    Over the years, our various manufacturing operations hadhave developed relationships with certain steel and other suppliers which have been beneficial to us by providing more assured delivery and a more favorable all-in cost, which includes price and shipping costs. If any of those relationships arewere disrupted, it cancould have an adverse effect on delivery times and the overall cost of our raw materials, which cancould have a negative impact on our business. In addition, we do not have long-term contracts with any of our suppliers. If, in the future, we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of steel and other products at competitive prices and on a timely basis from our traditional suppliers, we may be unable to obtain these products from alternative sources at competitive prices to meet our delivery schedule, which could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations.

Competition

Our business is highly competitive, and increased competition could negatively impact our financial results.    Generally, the markets in which we conduct business are highly competitive. Our competitors include a variety of both domestic and foreign companies in all major markets. Competition for most of our products is primarily on the basis of price, product quality and our ability to meet delivery requirements. Depending on a variety of factors, including raw material, energy, labor and capital costs, government control of currency exchange rates and government subsidies of foreign steel producers, our business may be materially adversely affected by competitive forces. The current economic recession has also resulted in significant open capacity, which could increaseattract increased competitive presence. Competition may also increase if suppliers to or customers of our industries begin to more directly compete with our businesses through acquisition or otherwise. Increased competition could cause us to lose market share, increase expenditures, lower our margins or offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could adversely impact our financial results.

Sales by competitors of light guagegauge metal framing products which are not code compliant could adversely affect us.    Our Metal Framing business has beenunconsolidated metal framing joint venture, ClarkDietrich, is an industry leader in driving code compliance for light gauge metal framing. If our competitors offer cheaper products which are not code compliant, and thus are cheaper, and certain customers are willing to purchase such non-compliant products, it may be difficult for usClarkDietrich to be cost competitive on these sales.

Material Substitution

If steel prices increase compared to certain substitute materials, the demand for our products could be negatively impacted, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results.In certain applications, steel competes with other materials, such as aluminum (particularly in the automobile industry), cement and wood (particularly in the construction industry), composites, glass and plastic.    Pricesplastic.Prices of all of these materials fluctuate widely, and differences between themthe prices of these materials and the price of steel prices may adversely affect demand for our products and/or encourage material substitution, which could adversely affect prices and demand for steel products. The high cost of steel relative to other materials canmay make material substitution more attractive for certain uses.

Freight and Energy

Increasing energy and freight costs could increase our operating costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results.    The availability and cost of freight and energy, such as electricity, natural gas and diesel fuel, is important in the manufacture and transport of our products.    Ourproducts.Our operations consume substantial

amounts of energy, and our operating costs generally increase when energy costs rise. Factors that may affect our energy costs include significant increases in fuel, oil or natural gas prices, unavailability of electrical power or other energy sources due to droughts, hurricanes or other natural causes or due to shortages resulting from insufficient supplies to serve customers, or interruptions in energy supplies due to equipment failure or other causes. During periods of increasing freightenergy and energyfreight costs, we might notmay be ableunable to fully recover our operating cost increases through price increases without reducing demand for our products. Our financial results could be adversely affected if we are unable to pass all of the increases on to our customers or if we are unable to obtain the necessary freight and energy. Also, increasing energy costs could put a strain on the transportation of our materials and products if it forcesthe increased costs force certain transporters to close.

Information Systems

We are subject to information system security risks and systems integration issues that could disrupt our internal operations.    We are dependent upon information technology for the distribution of information internally and also to our customers and suppliers. This information technology is subject to damage or interruption from a variety of sources, including, but not limited towithout limitation, computer viruses, security breaches and defects in design. ThereWe could also could be adversely affected by system or network disruptions if new or upgraded business management systems are defective, or are not installed properly or are not properly integrated into operations. We recently implemented a new software-based enterprise resource planning system. Various measures have been implemented to manage our risks related to information system and network disruptions, but a system failure could negatively impact our operations and financial results.

Business Disruptions

Disruptions to our business or the business of our customers or suppliers could adversely impact our operations and financial results.    Business disruptions, including increased costs for, or interruptions in, the supply of energy or raw materials, resulting from shortages of supply or transportation, from severe weather events (such as hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados, floods and blizzards), from casualty events (such as explosions, fires or material equipment breakdown), from acts of terrorism, from pandemic disease, from labor disruptions, the idling of facilities due to reduced demand (such as resulting from the recent economic downturn) or from other events (such as required maintenance shutdowns), could cause interruptions to our businesses as well as the operations of our customers and suppliers. While we maintain insurance coverage that can offset some losses relating to certain types of these events, losses from business disruptions could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results and we cancould be adversely impacted to the extent any such losses are not covered by insurance or cause some other adverse impact to the us.

Foreign Operations

Economic, political and other risks associated with foreign operations could adversely affect our international financial results.    Although the substantial majority of our business activity takes place in the United States, we derive a portion of our revenues and earnings from operations in foreign countries, and we are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. We have wholly-owned facilities in Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, India and Portugal and joint venture facilities in China, France, India, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom. Our Mid-Rise Construction business is alsoKingdom, and are becoming more active in pursuingexploring foreign business.opportunities. The risks of doing business in foreign countries include:include, among other factors: the potential for adverse changes in the local political climate, in diplomatic relations between foreign countries and the United States or in government policies, laws or regulations; terrorist activity that may cause social disruption; logistical and communications challenges; costs of complying with a variety of laws and regulations; difficulty in staffing and managing geographically diverse operations; deterioration of foreign economic conditions; inflation and fluctuations in interest rates; currency rate fluctuations; foreign exchange restrictions; differing local business practices and cultural considerations; restrictions on imports and exports or sources of supply;supply, including energy and raw materials; changes in duties, quotas, tariffs, taxes or taxes;other protectionist measures; and potential issues related

to matters covered by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act or similar laws. We believe that our business activities outside of the United States involve a higher degree of risk than our domestic activities.

Theactivities, and any one or more of these factors could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. In addition, the global recession and the volatility of worldwide capital and credit markets have significantly impacted and will likelymay continue to significantly impact our foreign customers and markets. This hasThese factors have resulted in decreased demand in our foreign operations and is havinghave had significant negative impacts on our business. See, in general,Refer to the discussion under“Economic or Industry Downturns” above. risk factor herein for additional information concerning the impact of the global recession and the volatility of capital and credit markets on our business.

Joint Ventures

A change in the relationship between the members of any of our joint ventures may have an adverse effect on that joint venture.    Worthington hasWe have been successful in the development and operation of various joint ventures, and our equity in net income from our joint ventures, particularly WAVE, has been important to our

financial results. We believe an important element in the success of any joint venture is a solid relationship between the members of that joint venture. If there is a change in ownership, a change of control, a change in management or management philosophy, a change in business strategy or another event with respect to a member of a joint venture that adversely impacts the relationship between the joint venture members, it maycould adversely impact that joint venture. In addition, joint ventures necessarily involve special risks. Whether or not we hold a majority interest or maintain operational control in a joint venture, our partners may have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our interests or goals. For example, our partners may exercise veto rights to block actions that we believe to be in our best interests, may take action contrary to our policies or objects with respect to our investments, or may be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations or commitments to the joint venture.

Acquisitions

We may not be ableunable to successfully consummate, manage andor integrate future acquisitions successfully.our acquisitions.    SomeA portion of our growth has beenoccurred through acquisitions. We may from time to time continue to seek additional businessesattractive opportunities to acquire in the future.businesses, enter into joint ventures and make other investments that are complementary to our existing strengths. There are no assurances, however, that any acquisition opportunities will arise or, if they do, that they will be consummated, or that any needed additional financing for such opportunities will be available on satisfactory terms when required. In addition, acquisitions involve risks that the businesses acquired will not perform in accordance with expectations, that business judgments concerning the value, strengths and weaknesses of businesses acquired will prove incorrect, that we may assume unknown liabilities from the seller, that the acquired businesses may not be integrated successfully and that the acquisitions may strain our management resources.resources or divert management’s attention from other business concerns. International acquisitions may present unique challenges and increase our exposure to the risks associated with foreign operations and countries. Failure to successfully integrate any of our acquisitions may cause significant operating inefficiencies and could adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

Capital Expenditures

Our business requires capital investment and maintenance expenditures, and our capital resources may not be adequate to provide for all of our cash requirements.    Many of our operations are capital intensive. For the five-year period ended May 31, 2011, our total capital expenditures, including acquisition and investment activity, were approximately $455.4 million. Additionally, at May 31, 2011, we were obligated to make aggregate lease payments of $32.4 million under operating lease agreements. Our business also requires expenditures for maintenance of our facilities. We currently believe that we have adequate resources (including cash and cash equivalents, cash provided by operating activities, availability under existing credit facilities and unused lines of credit) to meet our cash needs for normal operating costs, capital expenditures,

debt repayments, dividend payments, future acquisitions and working capital for our existing business. However, given the current challenges, uncertainty and volatility in the domestic and global economies and financial markets, there can be no assurance that our capital resources will be adequate to provide for all of our cash requirements.

Litigation

We may be subject to legal proceedings or investigations, the resolution of which could negatively affect our results of operations and liquidity in a particular period.    Our results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be affected by an adverse ruling in any legal proceedings or investigations which may be pending against us or filed against us in the future. We are also subject to a variety of legal compliance risks, including, without limitation, potential claims relating to product liability, health and safety, environmental matters, intellectual property rights, taxes and compliance with U.S. and foreign export laws, anti-bribery laws, competition laws and sales and trading practices. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs to address and reduce these risks, the global and diverse nature of our operations means that these risks will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and contingencies may arise from time to time. A future adverse ruling or settlement or an unfavorable change in laws, rules or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or liquidity in a particular period. For additional information regarding our pending legal proceedings and contingencies, refer to “Part I – Item 3. – Legal Proceedings” within this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “Note E – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Part II – Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Accounting &and Tax Estimates

We are required to make accounting and tax-related estimates, assumptions and judgments in preparing our consolidated financial statements.statements, and actual results may differ materially from the estimates, assumptions and judgments that we use.    In preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we are required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the accounting for and recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is dependent on future events, or cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from data available.available to us. In some cases, these estimates and assumptions are particularly difficult to determine and we must exercise significant judgment. The estimates, assumptions and the assumptionsjudgments having the greatest amount of uncertainty, subjectivity and complexity are related to our accounting for bad debts, returns and allowances, inventory, self-insurance reserves, derivatives, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxestax assets and liabilities and asset impairments. ActualOur actual results couldmay differ materially from the estimates, assumptions and assumptionsjudgments that we use, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Tax Laws and Regulations

Tax increases or changes in tax laws could adversely affect our financial results.    We are subject to tax and related obligations in the jurisdictions in which we operate or do business, including state, local, federal and foreign taxes. The taxing rules of the various jurisdictions in which we operate or do business often are complex and subject to varying interpretations. Tax authorities may challenge tax positions that we take or historically have taken, and may assess taxes where we have not made tax filings or may audit the tax filings we have made and assess additional taxes. Some of these assessments may be substantial, and also may involve the imposition of penalties and interest. In addition, governments could impose new taxes on us or increase the rates at which we are taxed in the future. The payment of substantial additional taxes, penalties or interest resulting from tax assessments, or the imposition of any new taxes, could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, our provision for income

taxes and cash tax liability in the future could be adversely affected by changes in U.S. tax laws. Potential changes that may adversely affect our financial results include, without limitation, decreasing the ability of U.S. companies to receive a tax credit for foreign taxes paid or to defer the U.S. deduction of expenses in connection with investments made in other countries.

Claims and Insurance

Adverse claims experience, to the extent not covered by insurance, may have an adverse effect on our financial results.    We self-insure a significant portion of our potential liability for workers’ compensation, product liability, general liability, property liability, automobile liability and employee medical claims. In order to reduce risk, we purchase insurance from highly rated,highly-rated, licensed insurance carriers that coverscover most claims in excess of the applicable deductible or retained amounts. We maintain reserves for the estimated cost to resolve open claims as well as an estimate of the cost of claims that have been incurred but not reported. The occurrence of significant claims, our failure to adequately reserve for such claims, a significant cost increase to maintain our insurance or the failure of our insurance providerproviders to perform could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Principal Shareholder

Our principal shareholder may have the ability to exert significant influence in matters requiring a shareholder vote and could delay, deter or prevent a change in control of Worthington Industries.    Pursuant to our charter documents, certain matters such as those in which a person would attempt to acquire or take control of the Company, must be approved by the vote of the holders of common shares representing at least 75% of Worthington Industries’ outstanding voting power. Approximately 22%25% of our outstanding common shares are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by John P. McConnell, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. As a result of his beneficial ownership of our common shares, Mr. McConnell may have the ability to exert significant influence in these matters and other proposals upon which our shareholders may vote.

Senior Management

If we lose our senior management or other key employees, our business may be adversely affected.    Our ability to successfully operate, grow our business and implement our business strategies is largely dependent on the efforts, abilities and services of our senior management and other key employees. The loss of any of these individuals or our inability to attract, train and retain additional personnel could reduce the competitiveness of our business or otherwise impair our operations or prospects. Our future success will also depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, such as engineers and other skilled technicians, who have experience in the application of our products and are knowledgeable about our business, markets and products. We cannot assure that we will be able to retain our existing senior management personnel or other key employees or attract additional qualified personnel when needed. We have not entered into any formal employment agreements or change in control agreements with our executive officers, and the loss of any member of our management team could adversely impact our business and operations. Additionally, we may modify our management structure from time to time or reduce our overall workforce as we did in certain operating segments during the recent economic downturn, which may create marketing, operational and other business risks.

Credit Ratings

RatingRatings agencies may downgrade our credit ratings, which could make it more difficult for us to raise capital and could increase our financing costs.    Any downgrade in our credit ratings may make raising capital more difficult, may increase the cost and affect the terms of future borrowings, may affect the terms under which we purchase goods and services and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business

opportunities. TheIn addition, the interest rate on some of our revolving credit facilitiesfacility is tied to our credit rating. Anyratings, and any downgrade of our credit ratings would likely result in an increase in the current cost of borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

Difficult Financial Markets

Should we be required to raise capital in the current financing environment, potential outcomes might includewe could face higher borrowing costs, less available capital, more stringent terms and tighter covenants or, in extreme conditions, an inability to raise capital.    Although we currently have significant borrowing availability under our existing credit facilities, should those facilities become unavailable due to covenant or other defaults, or should we otherwise be required to raise capital outside our existing facilities, given the current uncertainty and volatility in the financialU.S. credit and capital markets, our ability to access capital and the terms under which we do so may change.be negatively impacted. Any adverse change in our access to capital or the terms of our borrowings, including increased costs, wouldcould have a negative impact on us.our financial condition.

Environmental, Health and Safety

We may incur additional costs related to environmental and health and safety matters.    Our operations and facilities are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and human health and safety. Failure to maintain or achieve compliance with these laws and regulations or with the permits required for our operations could result in increased costs and capital expenditures and potentially fines and civil or criminal sanctions, third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, cleanup costs or temporary or permanent discontinuance of operations. Over time, we and other predecessor operators of our facilities have generated, used, handled and disposed of hazardous and other regulated wastes. Environmental liabilities, could exist, including cleanup obligations, could exist at theseour facilities or at off-site locations where materials from our operations were disposed of or at facilities we have divested, which could result in future expenditures that cannot be currently quantified and which could reduce our profits and cash flow. We may be held strictly liable for theany contamination of these sites, and the amount of thatany such liability could be material. Due to our stringent commitment toward safety, it is probable that we may incur costs which exceed compliance in many areas. Under the “joint and several” liability principle of certain environmental laws, we may be held liable for all remediation costs at a particular site, even with respect to contamination for which we are not responsible. Changes in environmental and human health and safety laws, rules, regulations or enforcement policies including without limitation new or more stringent regulations affecting greenhouse gas emissions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Legislation and Regulation

Certain proposed legislation and regulations canmay have an adverse impact on the economy in general and in our markets specifically, which may adversely affect our business.    Our business may be negatively impacted by a variety of new or proposed legislation or regulations. For example, legislation and regulations proposing increases in taxation on, or heightened regulation of, carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions may result in higher prices for steel, higher prices for utilities required to run our facilities, higher fuel costs for us and our shipperssuppliers and distributors and other adverse impacts. See the immediately following risk factor for additional information regarding legislation and regulations concerning climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. To the extent this or otherthat new legislation or regulation increasesregulations increase our costs, we may not be able to fully pass these costs on to our customers without a resulting decline in sales and adverse impact to our profits. Likewise, to the extent new legislation or regulationregulations would have an adverse effect on the economy, our markets or the ability of domestic businesses to compete against foreign operations, it could also have an adverse impact on us.

Legislation or regulations concerning climate change and greenhouse gas emissions may negatively affect our results of operations.    Energy is a significant input in a number of our operations and products, and many believe that consumption of energy derived from fossil fuels is a contributor to global warming. A number of

governments and governmental bodies have introduced or are contemplating legislative and regulatory changes in response to the potential impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union has established greenhouse gas regulations, and Canada has published details of a regulatory framework for greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued and proposed regulations addressing greenhouse gas emissions, including regulations which will require reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from large sources and suppliers in the United States. Legislation previously has been introduced in the U.S. Congress aimed at limiting carbon emissions from companies that conduct business that is carbon-intensive. Among other potential items, such bills could include a system of carbon emission credits issued to certain companies, similar to the European Union’s existing cap-and-trade system. Several U.S. states have also adopted, and other states may in the future adopt, legislation or regulations implementing state-wide or regional cap-and-trade systems that apply to some or all industries that emit greenhouse gases. It is impossible at this time to forecast what the final regulations and legislation, if any, will look like and the resulting effects on our business and operations. Depending upon the terms of any such regulations or legislation, however, we could suffer a negative financial impact as a result of increased energy, environmental and other costs necessary to comply with limitations on greenhouse gas emissions, and we may see changes in the margins of our greenhouse gas-intensive and energy-intensive assets. In addition, depending upon whether similar limitations are imposed globally, the regulations and legislation could negatively impact our ability to compete with foreign companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations. Many of our customers in the United States, Canada and Europe may experience similar impacts, which could result in decreased demand for our products.

Seasonality

Our operations have been subject to seasonal fluctuations that may impact our cash flows for a particular period.    Historically, our sales are generally weaker in the third quarter of the fiscal year, primarily due to reduced activity in the building and construction industry as a result of the colder, more inclement weather, as well as customer plant shutdowns in the automotive industry due to holidays. Sales are generally strongest in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year when all of our business segments are normally operating at seasonal peaks. Our quarterly results may also be affected by the timing of large customer orders. Consequently, our cash flow from operations may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. If, as a result of any such fluctuation, our quarterly cash flows were significantly reduced, we may be unable to service our indebtedness or maintain compliance with certain covenants under our credit facilities. A default under any of the documents governing our indebtedness could prevent us from borrowing additional funds, limit our ability to pay interest or principal and allow our lenders to declare the amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable and to exercise certain other remedies.

Impairment Charges

Continued or enhanced weakness or instability in the economy, our markets or our results of operations could result in future asset impairments, which would reduce our reported earnings and net worthworth..    We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite useful lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or aan asset group of assets may not be recoverable. When a potential impairment is indicated, accounting standards require a charge to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements if the carrying amount of an asset or asset group of assets exceeds the fair valuesum of the undiscounted future cash flows of that asset or group of assets.asset group. The loss recognized would be the difference between the fair value andamount by which the carrying amountvalue of the asset or asset group exceeds fair value. In recent months, we have seen signs of assets.improvement in overall economic conditions, both domestically and globally. However, economic conditions remain fragile, and the possibility remains that the domestic or global economies, or certain industry sectors that are key to our sales, may not recover as quickly as anticipated, or could further deteriorate. If certain of our business segments continue to be adversely affected by the challenging and volatile economic and financial conditions, we may be required to record additional impairments, which would negatively impact our results of operations.

Item 1B. — Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. — Properties.

General

TheOur principal corporate offices of Worthington Industries, as well as the corporate offices for Worthington Steel, Worthington Cylinders and Dietrich, are located in a leased office building in Columbus, Ohio, containing approximately 117,700 square feet. WorthingtonWe also ownsown three facilities used for administrative and medical purposes in Columbus, Ohio, containing an aggregate of approximately 166,000 square feet. As of May 31, 2010, Worthington2011, we owned or leased a total of approximately 9,700,0008,600,000 square feet of space for our operations, of which approximately 8,200,0007,200,000 square feet (9,200,000(8,100,000 square feet with warehouses) was devoted to manufacturing, product distribution and sales offices. Major leases contain renewal options for periods of up to ten10 years. For information concerning rental obligations, see the discussion of contractual obligations underrefer to “Item 7. – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments” as well as “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note LQ – Operating Leases” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Worthington believesWe believe the distribution and office facilities provide adequate space for our operations and are well maintained and suitable.

Excluding joint ventures, Worthington operates 41we operate 35 manufacturing facilities and ten warehouses. TheThese manufacturing facilities are well maintained and in good operating condition, and are believed to be sufficient to meet current needs.

Steel Processing

TheOur Steel Processing operating segment, which includes the consolidated joint venture Spartan, operates ten13 manufacturing facilities, nine12 of which are wholly-owned, containing a total of approximately 2,860,0003,300,000 square feet, and one of whichthat is leased, containing approximately 150,000 square feet. These facilities are located in Alabama, California, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan (2), Ohio (5) and Ohio (4)Tennessee (2). This operating segment also owns one warehouse in Ohio, containing approximately 110,000 square feet, one warehouse in Michigan, containing approximately 100,000 square feet, and one warehouse in California, containing approximately 60,000 square feet. As noted above, this operating segment’s corporate offices are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Pressure Cylinders

TheOur Pressure Cylinders operating segment operates nine11 owned manufacturing facilities and one leased manufacturing facility, whichfacility. These facilities are located in California, Mississippi, Ohio (3), Wisconsin, Austria, Canada, the Czech Republic, India and Portugal containingand contain a total of approximately 1,800,0001,900,000 square feet. The Pressure

CylindersThis operating segment also operates two owned warehouses, one in Austria and one in the Czech Republic, containing a total of approximately 97,000 square feet, and twothree leased warehouses, onetwo in Ohio and one in Canada, containing a total of approximately 95,000164,000 square feet.

Metal Framing

TheOur Metal Framing operating segment operates 14three manufacturing facilities. These facilities are located in California (2), Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio (2), and Texas (2).one warehouse. Of these manufacturing facilities, seven areone is leased, containing a total of approximately 490,00085,000 square feet, and seventwo are owned, containing a total of approximately 1,300,000242,000 square feet. This operating segment operates oneThe leased warehouse in Ohio which is owned and contains approximately 314,000 square feet. This operating segment also ownsAll of these properties operate exclusively to support the transition of our metal framing business into the ClarkDietrich joint venture and operates an administrative facility containing approximately 37,000 square feet in Indiana; and leases administrative space in three locations, containing an aggregate of approximately 30,000 square feet, in California, Indiana and Pennsylvania. During fiscal 2009, the Metal Framing corporate and administrative offices werewill be subsequently shut down, closed and moved from Pennsylvania to Columbus, Ohio. As part of the Transformation Plan announced by the Company in September 2007, this operating segment has ceased manufacturing operations at eleven facilities: two owned and nine leased facilities. The two owned facilities are currently up for sale. Of the leased facilities, one lease expired concurrently with the closing of the facility and the other eight leases, which expire between 2010 and 2015, are being offered for subletting.or sold.

Other

SteelpacSteel Packaging operates three facilities, one each in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The manufacturing facilities in Indiana and Pennsylvania are leased and contain a total of approximately 290,000 square feet; and the facility located in Ohio is owned and contains approximately 21,000 square feet. Gerstenslager ownsGlobal Group includes Worthington Military Construction, Inc., Worthington Mid-Rise Construction, Inc. and operates twoWorthington Metal Fabricators, LLC which operate manufacturing facilities both located in Ohio, containing a total ofTennessee and Washington which contain approximately 1,100,000 square feet; leases approximately 150,000 square feet in one warehouse in Ohio; and owns approximately 135,000 square feet in one warehouse in Ohio. Military Construction operates a manufacturing facility in Tennessee which contains approximately 4,500223,500 square feet and leaseslease approximately 1,80018,300 square feet for administrative offices in Hawaii. Mid-Rise Construction leasesHawaii and operates aOhio. Additionally, we retained Gerstenslager’s manufacturing facility in WashingtonWooster, Ohio, which is subject to a lease agreement with ArtiFlex and contains approximately 19,000 square feet and leases administrative space containing approximately 16,500 square feet in Ohio. Commercial Stairs leases one manufacturing facility in Ohio, which contains approximately 200,000900,000 square feet.

Joint Ventures

The Spartan consolidated joint venture owns and operates one manufacturing facility in Michigan, which is included in the number disclosed above for the Steel Processing operating segment.segment, and the WNCL consolidated joint venture owns and operates a manufacturing facility in India. The unconsolidated joint ventures operate a total of 2343 manufacturing facilities, located in Alabama, California (2), Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan (6)(8), Nevada and Ohio (4)(6), domestically, and in China, France, India, Mexico (6), Spain and the United Kingdom, internationally.

Item 3. — Legal Proceedings

Various legal proceedings, which generally have arisen in the ordinary course of business, are pending against Worthington. None of this pending litigation, individually or collectively, is expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operation or cash flows of the Company.

Notwithstanding the statement above, seerefer to “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data–Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note GE – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments” within this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding certain litigation which remained pending during fiscal 2010.2011. Additionally, refer to “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note T – Subsequent Events” for information regarding developments that occurred subsequent to May 31, 2011 related to litigation pending during fiscal 2011.

Item 4. — [Reserved]

Supplemental Item — Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table lists the names, positions held and ages of the Registrant’s executive officers as of July 30, 2010:August 1, 2011:

John P. McConnell has served as Worthington Industries’ Chief Executive Officer since June 1993, as a director of Worthington Industries continuously since 1990, and as Chairman of the Board of Worthington Industries since September 1996. Mr. McConnell serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee of Worthington Industries’ Board of Directors. He has served in various positions with Worthington Industriesthe Company since 1975.

George P. Stoe has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Worthington Industries since October 2008. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Worthington Industries from December 2005 to October 2008. He previously served as President of Worthington Cylinder Corporation from January 2003 to December 2005.

B. Andrew ‘Andy’ Rose has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Worthington Industries since December 2008. From 2007 to 2008, he served as a senior investment professional with MCG Capital Corporation;Corporation, a private equity firm specializing in investments in middle market companies; and from 2002 to 2007, he was a founding partner at Peachtree Equity Partners, L.P., a private equity firm backed by Goldman Sachs. Prior to 2002, Mr. Rose was vice president of private equity at Wachovia Capital Associates, a private equity firm.

Dale T. Brinkman has served as Worthington Industries’ Vice President-Administration since December 1998 and as Worthington Industries’ General Counsel since September 1982. He has been Secretary of Worthington Industries since September 2000 and served as Assistant Secretary of Worthington Industries from September 1982 to September 2000.

Harry A. GoussetisAndrew J. Billman has served as President of Worthington Cylinder Corporation since December 2005.August 2011. From January 2001February 2010 to December 2005, Mr. GoussetisAugust 2011, he served as Vice President-Human ResourcesPresident-Purchasing for Worthington Industries, and he heldIndustries. He has served in various other positions with Worthington Industries from November 1983 to January 2001.the Company since 1991.

Matthew A. Lockard has served as Treasurer of Worthington Industries since February 2009, and as Vice President-Corporate Development of Worthington Industries since July 2005. From April 2001 to July 2005,

Mr. Lockard served as Vice President-Global Business Development for Worthington Cylinder Corporation. Mr. Lockard served in various other positions with Worthington Industriesthe Company from January 1994 to April 2001.

John E. Roberts has served as President of Dietrich Industries, Inc. since October 2007, and prior thereto, served as its Vice President of Sales and Marketing from June 2007 to October 2007. He was Regional General Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing for Owens Corning, a producer of residential and commercial building materials, from June 1996 through June 2007.

Ralph V. Roberts has served as Senior Vice President-Marketing of Worthington Industries since January 2001, and servedalso as President of Worthington Integrated Building Systems,Global Group, LLC from(or its predecessors) since November 2006 to January 2010.2006. From June 1998 through January 2001, he served as President of The Worthington Steel Company, and he held various other positions with Worthington Industriesthe Company from December 1973 to June 1998, including Vice President-Corporate Development and Chief Executive Officer of the WAVE joint venture.

Mark A. Russell has served as President of The Worthington Steel Company since February 2007. From August 2004 through February 2007, Mr. Russell was a partner in Russell & Associates, an acquisition group formed to acquire aluminum products companies. Mr. Russell served as Chief Executive Officer of Indalex Inc., a producer of extruded aluminum products, from January 2002 to March 2004.

Eric M. Smolenski has served as Vice President-Human Resources of Worthington Industries since January 2004.December 2005. From January 2001 to January 2004,December 2005, Mr. Smolenski served as the Director of Corporate Human Resources Services of Worthington Industries, and he served in various other positions with Worthington Industriesthe Company from January 1994 to January 2001.

Richard G. Welch has served as the Corporate Controller of Worthington Industries since March 2000 and prior thereto, he served as Assistant Controller of Worthington Industries from August 1999 to March 2000. He served as Principal Financial Officer of Worthington Industries on an interim basis from September 2008 to December 2008.

Virgil L. Winland has served as Senior Vice President-Manufacturing of Worthington Industries since January 2001. He served in various other positions with Worthington Industries from 1971 to January 2001, including President of Worthington Cylinder Corporation from June 1998 through January 2001.

Executive officers serve at the pleasure of the directors of the Registrant. There are no family relationships among any of the Registrant’s executive officers or directors. No arrangements or understandings exist pursuant to which any individual has been, or is to be, selected as an executive officer of the Registrant.

PART II

Item 5.—Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Shares Information

The common shares of Worthington Industries, Inc. (“Worthington Industries”) trade on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “WOR” and are listed in most newspapers as “WorthgtnInd.” As of July 23, 2010,26, 2011, Worthington Industries had 7,1416,941 registered shareholders. The following table sets forth (i) the low and high closing prices and the closing price per share for Worthington Industries’ common shares for each quarter of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009,2011, and (ii) the cash dividends per share declared on Worthington Industries’ common shares for each quarter of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009.2011.

Dividends are declared at the discretion of Worthington Industries’ Board of Directors. Worthington Industries’ Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.17$0.10 per common share in fiscal 2009, until reducing2011 and fiscal 2010. On June 29, 2011, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend declared in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 to $0.10$0.12 per common share. A $0.10 per common shareThis dividend was declared for each quarteris payable on September 29, 2011, to shareholders of fiscal 2010. record as of September 15, 2011.

The Board of Directors reviews the dividend on a quarterly basis and establishes the dividend rate based upon Worthington Industries’ financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, current and projected cash flows, business prospects and other factors which the directors may deem relevant. While Worthington Industries has paid a dividend every quarter since becoming a public company in 1968, there is no guarantee this will continue in the future.

Shareholder Return Performance

The following information in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to Regulation 14A or Regulation 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate such information into such a filing.

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative return on Worthington Industries’ common shares, the S&P Midcap 400 Index and the S&P 1500 Steel Composite Index. The graph assumes that $100 was invested at May 31, 2005,2006, in Worthington Industries’ common shares and each index.

* $100 invested on 5/31/0506 in common shares or index. Assumes reinvestment of dividends when received. Fiscal year endingended May 31.

Data and graph provided by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. Copyright^© 2010,2011, Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.permission.

Worthington Industries is a component of the S&P Midcap 400 Index. The S&P 1500 Steel Composite Index, of which Worthington Industries is a component, is the most specific index relative to the largest line of business of Worthington Industries and its subsidiaries. At May 31, 2010,2011, the S&P 1500 Steel Composite Index included 12 steel related companies from the S&P 500, S&P Midcap 400 and S&P 600 indices: AK Steel Holding Corporation; Allegheny Technologies Incorporated; A.M. Castle & Co.; Carpenter Technology Corporation; Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.; Commercial Metals Company; Nucor Corporation; Olympic Steel, Inc.; Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.; Steel Dynamics, Inc.; United States Steel Corporation; and Worthington Industries.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about purchases made by, or on behalf of, Worthington Industries Inc. or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b – 18(a) (3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended)1934) of common shares of Worthington Industries Inc. during each month of the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2010:2011:

On June 29, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 10,000,000 of Worthington Industries’ outstanding common shares, increasing the total number of common shares available for repurchase to 10,494,802.

The common shares available for repurchase under these authorizations may be purchased from time to time, with consideration given to the market price of the common shares, the nature of other investment opportunities, cash flows from operations, general economic conditions and other appropriate factors. Repurchases may be made on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

The Company has begun to repurchase common shares under this authorization during the first quarter of the fiscal year ending May 31, 2011. See “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note U – Subsequent Events” within this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding common share repurchase activity subsequent to May 31, 2010.

Item 6. — Selected Financial Data

Our Automotive Body Panels operations have been excluded from consolidated operating results since their deconsolidation in May 2011. Our Metal Framing operations have been excluded from consolidated operating results since their deconsolidation in March 2011, except for our Metal Framing operations in Canada, which have been excluded since their disposition in November 2009. The acquisition of the net assets of three MISA Metals, Inc. steel processing locations has been reflected since March 2011. The acquisition of our 60% interest in Nitin Cylinders Limited has been reflected since December 2010. The acquisition of the net assets of Hy-Mark Cylinders, Inc. has been reflected since June 2010. The acquisition of the steel processing assets of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries has been reflected since February 2010. Our Metal Framing operations in Canada have been excluded since their disposition in November 2009. The acquisition of the membership interests of Structural Composites Industries, LLC has been reflected since September 2009. The acquisition of the net assets related to the businesses of Piper Metal Forming Corporation, U.S. Respiratory, Inc. and Pacific Cylinders, Inc. has been reflected since June 2009. The acquisition of the net assets of Laser Products assets has been reflected since July 2008. The acquisition of the net assets of The Sharon Companies Ltd. assets has been reflected since June 2008. The acquisition of the capital stock of Precision Specialty Metals, Inc. has been reflected since August 2006.

Item 7. — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Selected statements contained in this “Item 7. – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based, in whole or in part, on management’s beliefs, estimates, assumptions and currently available information. For a more detailed discussion of what constitutes a forward-looking statement and of some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, please refer to the “Safe Harbor Statement” in the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “Part I – Item 1A. – Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Introduction

Worthington Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “our,” “Worthington,” or the “Company”), is primarily a diversified metals processing company, focused on value-added steel processing and manufactured metal products. Our manufactured metal products include: pressure cylinder products such as propane, refrigerant, oxygen, hand torch and campingindustrial cylinders, scuba tanks, hand torches, and helium balloon kits; light gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction; framing systems and stairs for mid-rise buildings; currentsteel pallets and past model automotive service stampings;racks; and, through joint ventures, suspension grid systems for concealed and lay-in panel ceilingsceilings; laser-welded blanks; light gauge steel framing for commercial and laser welded blanks.residential construction; and current and past model automotive service stampings. Our number one goal is to increase shareholder value, which we seek to accomplish by optimizing existing operations, developing and commercializing new products and applications, and pursuing strategic acquisitions and joint ventures.

As of May 31, 2010,2011, excluding our joint ventures, we operated 4135 manufacturing facilities worldwide, principally in three reportable business segments: Steel Processing, Pressure Cylinders and Metal Framing. OtherFraming, each of which is comprised of a similar group of products and services. As more fully described in theRecent Business Developmentssection herein, on March 1, 2011, we contributed certain assets of Dietrich Metal Framing (“Dietrich”) to a newly-formed joint venture, Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems LLC (“ClarkDietrich”), in which we received a 25% noncontrolling interest. We retained seven of the 13 metal framing facilities, which continue to operate, on a short-term basis, to support the transition of the business into the new joint venture. Following this brief transition period, these assets will be disposed of. The financial results and operating performance of the retained facilities will continue to be reported within our Metal Framing operating segment until their expected disposition in fiscal 2012. The contributed net assets, which were deconsolidated effective March 1, 2011, will continue to be reported within Metal Framing on a historical basis.

Operating segments whichthat do not meet the applicable aggregation criteria or materiality tests for purposes of separate disclosure, includeas well as other corporate-related entities, are combined and presented in an “Other” category for segment reporting purposes. Through May 9, 2011, the operating segments included within the Other category consisted of Automotive Body Panels, Steel Packaging, and the recently formed Worthington Global Group (the “Global Group”). As more fully described in theRecent Business Developments section herein, on May 9, 2011, in connection with the contribution of our automotive body panels subsidiary, The Gerstenslager Company (“Gerstenslager”), to the ArtiFlex joint venture, and the resulting deconsolidation of the contributed net assets, we no longer maintain a separate Automotive Body Panels operating segment. Accordingly, in periods subsequent to May 9, 2011, the operating segments included within the Other category consist of Steel Packaging and the Global Group. We will continue to report the financial results and operating performance of our former Automotive Body Panels operating segment on a historical basis through May 9, 2011.

The Global Group operating segment was formed during the third quarter of our fiscal year ended May 31, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”) as a result of certain organizational changes impacting the internal reporting and management structure of our then Mid-Rise Construction, Military Construction and Commercial Stairs. Stairs operating segments. Refer to “Note M – Segment Data” for additional information regarding the Global Group operating segment.

We also held equity positions in eight12 joint ventures, which operated an additional 2443 manufacturing facilities worldwide as of May 31, 2010.2011. For more information onregarding our operating segments, please refer to “Part I – Item 1. – Business” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

During fiscal 2011, we continued to benefit from the strengthening of the automotive market as well as the improving overall general economic conditions, both domestically and internationally, that began in the latter part of our fiscal year ended May 31, 2010 (“fiscal 2010”), we began. Although the construction market remains depressed compared to recoverhistorical norms, there has been a break from the global recession that, from an earnings perspective, resulted in our fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2009”) being the worst in our Company’s history. The recession negatively affected automotive production, particularly for General Motorsfurther erosion and Chrysler, as they both filed for bankruptcy protection in calendar 2009. However, since the settlement of the bankruptcies, automotive production seems to have stabilized and shownsome signs of strengthening, providing for some of the recovery instability. Recent acquisitions by both our Steel Processing operating segment. In addition, we acquired the steel processing assets of Gibraltar Industries, Inc., which have been fully integrated into our Steel Processing operating segment and generated positive earnings since the acquisition.

In our Pressure Cylinders operating segment, the global recession had the most impact onsegments have produced solid results and proven complementary to our industrial gas, air brake and forklift product lines. The industrial gas and air brake cylinders are the primary products inexisting businesses as have our European operations, which have suffered through the recession. However, during fiscal 2010, we continued to see strong demand across mostrecently formed joint ventures. Continued execution of the other cylinder product lines; and, toward the end of the year, we began to see some modest improvement in our European operations. During fiscal 2010, we completed two acquisitions in the Pressure Cylinders operating segment, as noted below, which increased our product offerings.

Activity in the construction market continues to be stagnant. The recession in the construction market has not only affected our Metal Framing operating segment, but also the operations of our previously reported Construction Services operating segment. Lower projections in these segments led to the

impairment of Metal Framing’s goodwill in fiscal 2009 and the impairment of Construction Services’ goodwill and certain other of its intangible assets in fiscal 2010. The Metal Framing operating segment has been challenged for more than a year with weak demand. Volumes were down 39% from fiscal 2009 and 58% from the fiscal year ended May 31, 2008 (“fiscal 2008”). We have responded by sizing the business to keep pace with the current demand by closing facilities and reducing headcount. In addition to reducing costs, we introduced a new flat-rolled steel product, ProStud™, during fiscal 2010. This provides us with an additional product that will hopefully improve sales and capture market share. Our joint ventures continue to perform well, despite weak market conditions.

Much of our response to the recession has been driven by the Transformation Plan (the “Transformation Plan”), which began in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, prior to the beginning of the recession. We continued to execute our Transformation Plan through fiscal 2010. In our Steel Processing operating segment, we have completed the diagnostic and implementation phases at each of our core facilities. Additionally, we have initiated the diagnostic process at our west coast stainless steel operation and our newly acquired facility in Cleveland, as well as in our Mexican joint venture, Serviacero. We anticipate that we will have substantially completed the Transformation Plan process at these facilities and one additional Steel Processing facility by December 31, 2010. In our Metal Framing operating segment, we have substantially completed the Transformation Plan process at eight facilities and anticipate completing the process at four additional facilities by December 31, 2010. We expect to incur additional restructuring charges relating to the Transformation Plan as we progress through the remaining Metal Framing and Steel Processing facilities, although these charges should decline over the coming quarters. The need for other restructuring charges will depend largely on recommendations developed from the Transformation Plan. We believe that the Transformation Plan has lowered the break-even points ofenhanced efficiencies at our facilities and has positioned us to respond more quickly to current and future opportunities and challenges.

Market & Industry Overview

No singleWe sell our products and services to a diverse customer contributed more than 10%base and a broad range of end markets. The breakdown of our consolidated net sales for fiscal 2010. Our consolidated net sales breakdown by end user market is illustrated by the following chart. Substantially all of the net sales of our Metal Framing, Mid-Rise Construction, Military Construction, and Commercial Stairs operating segments, as well as approximately 16% of the net sales of our Steel Processing operating segment, are to the construction market, both residential and non-residential. While the market price of steel significantly impacts this business, there are other key indicators that are meaningful in analyzing construction market demand including the United States of America gross domestic product (“U.S. GDP”), the Dodge Index of construction contracts and trends in the relative price of framing lumber and steel. Construction is also the predominant end market for our joint venture, Worthington Armstrong Venture (“WAVE”). The net sales of WAVE are not consolidated in our results; however, adding our ownership percentage of joint venture net sales to our reported net sales would not materially change the consolidated net sales breakdownfiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 is illustrated in the following chart.chart:

The automotive industry is the largest consumer of flat-rolled steel and thus the largest end market for our Steel Processing operating segment. Approximately 46%49% of the net sales of our Steel Processing operating segment, and substantially all of the net sales of our Automotive Body Panels operating segment are to the automotive market. North American vehicle production, primarily by Chrysler, Ford and General Motors (the “Detroit Three automakers”), has a considerable impact on the activity within these twothis operating segments.segment. The majority of the net sales from four of our unconsolidated joint ventures are also to the automotive end market. These

As noted in “Part I – Item 1A. – Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we believe that the damage caused by the earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011, has caused disruptions in and negatively impacted many of the markets we serve. As the impact from this catastrophe continues to evolve, we are currently unable to determine how deep or how long the impact will be on each of our markets. We continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to act as outcomes become more evident.

Substantially all of the net sales of our Metal Framing and Global Group operating segments, as well as approximately 11% of the net sales of our Steel Processing operating segment, are to the construction market, both residential and non-residential. We estimate that approximately 10% of our net sales to the

construction market are to the residential sector. While the market price of steel significantly impacts these businesses, there are other key indicators that are meaningful in analyzing construction market demand, including U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”), the Dodge Index of construction contracts and trends in the relative price of framing lumber and steel. The construction market is also the predominant end market of two of our joint ventures, Worthington Armstrong Venture (“WAVE”) and ClarkDietrich, whose net sales are not consolidatedincluded in our results; however, adding our ownership percentage of joint venture net sales to our reported net sales would not materially change the consolidated net sales breakdown in the above chart.operating results.

The net sales of our Pressure Cylinders and Steel Packaging operating segments and approximately 38%40% of the net sales of our Steel Processing operating segment are to other markets such as leisure and recreation, industrial gas, HVAC, lawn and garden, agriculture and appliance. Given the many different product linesproducts that make up these net sales and the wide variety of end markets, it is very difficult to detail the key market indicators that drive this portion of our business. However, we believe that the trend in U.S. GDP is generally a good economic indicator for analyzing this activity.the performance of these operating segments.

We use the following information to monitor our costs and demand in our major end markets:

¹ 2011 figures based on revised actuals    ² CRU Index; annual average    ²³ CSM Autobase³ Random Lengths; annual average    ⁴ LME Zinc; annual average    ⁵ NYMEX Henry Hub Natural Gas; annual average    ⁶ Energy Information Administration; annual average (excludes taxes)

U.S. GDP growth rate trends are generally indicative of the strength in demand and, in many cases, pricing for our products. Historically,A year-over-year increase in U.S. GDP growth rates is indicative of a stronger economy, which generally increases demand and pricing for our products. Conversely, decreasing U.S. GDP growth rates generally indicate the opposite effect, which we have seen that year-over-year increasingexperienced during the first six months of fiscal 2010. Changes in U.S. GDP growth rates can also signal or be indicative of, changes in conversion costs related to production and in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expenses”&A”). Conversely, expenses. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 is the opposite is also generally true. Decreasessixth quarter in a row of positive year-over-year change in U.S. GDP growth rates can signal negative trends in our results, as a weaker economy generally reduces demand and pricing for our products.GDP.

In recent years, the

The market price of hot-rolled steel has beenis one of the most significant factors impacting our selling prices and has materially impacted earnings, particularly on a quarter to quarter basis.operating results. When steel prices fall, we typically have higher-priced material flowing through cost of goods sold, while selling prices compress to what the market will bear, negatively impacting our results. On the other hand, in a rising price environment, our results are generally favorably impacted, as lower-priced material purchased in previous periods flows through cost of goods sold, while our selling prices increase at a faster pace to cover current replacement costs. The following table showspresents the average quarterly market price per ton of hot-rolled steel for the last twoduring fiscal years.2011 and fiscal 2010.

¹ CRU Hot-Rolled Index

The Dodge Index representsNo single customer contributed more than 10% of our consolidated net sales during fiscal 2011. While our automotive business is largely driven by the value of total construction contracts, including residential and non-residential building construction. This overall index serves as a broad indicatorproduction schedules of the construction marketsDetroit Three automakers, our customer base is much broader and includes other domestic manufacturers and many of their suppliers. During fiscal 2011, we continued to build upon the improvement in which we participate, as it tracks actual construction starts. The relative priceautomotive production from the Detroit Three automakers that began in the latter part of framing lumber, an alternative construction material against which we compete, can also affect our Metal Framing operating segment, as certain applications may permitfiscal 2010. Vehicle production for the use of this alternative building material.

The market trends of certainCertain other commodities, such as zinc, natural gas and diesel fuel, can be important to us as they represent a significant portion of our cost of goods sold, both directly through our plant operations and indirectly through transportation and freight expense.

Fiscal 2010Recent Business Developments

constructed in North America. This unconsolidated joint venture has identified Cheyenne, Wyoming as the site of its initial production facility. We anticipate contributing $9.5 million of cash to the Gestamp JV, mostly in fiscal 2012. Our investment in this joint venture is accounted for under the equity method, as our ownership interest does not constitute a controlling financial interest.

Results of Operations

Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010

Consolidated Operations

The following table presents consolidated operating results:

Net earnings represent the results for our consolidated operations, including 100% of our consolidated joint ventures, Spartan Steel Coating, LLC (“Spartan”) and WNCL. The noncontrolling interest, or 48% of Spartan and 40% of WNCL, is subtracted to arrive at net earnings attributable to controlling interest (i.e., Worthington). For fiscal 2011, net earnings attributable to controlling interest were $115.1 million, an increase of $69.9 million from fiscal 2010.

compares to impairment charges of $35.4 million in fiscal 2010, consisting primarily of the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets of our Commercial Stairs business unit reported as part of our then Construction Services operating segment ($32.7 million) as well as the impairment of certain long-lived assets within our Steel Packaging operating segment ($2.7 million). For additional information regarding these impairment charges, refer to “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note C – Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets.”

taxes, including a $3.0 million valuation allowance recorded during fiscal 2010 related to net operating losses previously reported in state income tax filings, and (ii) the change in the mix of income among the jurisdictions in which we do business, partially offset by the impact of a fiscal 2010 tax benefit associated with the previously mentioned impairment charges. The 33.7% rate is lower than the federal statutory rate of 35.0% primarily as a result of the benefits from lower tax rates on foreign income and the qualified production activities deduction (collectively decreasing the rate by 4.1%). These impacts were partially offset by state and local income taxes of 2.8% (net of their federal tax benefit). For additional information regarding the deviation from statutory income tax rates, refer to “Item 8. – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note K – Income Taxes.”

Segment Operations

Steel Processing

The following table summarizes the operating results of our Steel Processing operating segment for the periods indicated: