<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1997 and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  589,028
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    745,301
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,428,568
<PP&E>                                       1,585,824
<DEPRECIATION>                                 802,716
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,645,312
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,186,357
<BONDS>                                        580,665
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         72
<COMMON>                                       442,012
<OTHER-SE>                                     379,909
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,645,312
<SALES>                                      9,013,923
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             9,147,507
<CGS>                                        8,489,681
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                8,580,826
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              62,335
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                122,806
<INCOME-TAX>                                    20,907
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            135,423
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   135,423
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0