<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Form 10-Q
period ending May 31, 1995 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1995
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  428,516
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    673,052
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,189,199
<PP&E>                                       1,312,640
<DEPRECIATION>                                 737,049
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,078,504
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          856,652
<BONDS>                                        481,547
<COMMON>                                       398,619
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                      3,698
<OTHER-SE>                                     182,410
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,078,504
<SALES>                                      5,239,003
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             5,325,044
<CGS>                                        4,884,265
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                4,930,754
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              39,431
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                130,569
<INCOME-TAX>                                    21,439
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            129,043
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   129,043
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0