<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from
Form 10-Q and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1997
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  635,777
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    776,870
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,533,061
<PP&E>                                       1,611,877
<DEPRECIATION>                                 822,975
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,773,203
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,271,607
<BONDS>                                        606,149
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         72
<COMMON>                                       502,013
<OTHER-SE>                                     336,961
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,773,203
<SALES>                                      2,254,451
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,283,846
<CGS>                                        2,148,743
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,164,675
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              17,109
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 12,389
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,088
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             17,333
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    17,333
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0