<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the May 31,
1998 Form 10-Q and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1998
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  611,794
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    668,105
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,446,987
<PP&E>                                       1,638,137
<DEPRECIATION>                                 848,725
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,715,727
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,108,419
<BONDS>                                        604,613
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    100,071
<COMMON>                                       466,422
<OTHER-SE>                                     350,108
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,715,727
<SALES>                                      6,539,635
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             6,650,223
<CGS>                                        6,243,829
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                6,292,566
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              53,506
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 23,531
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,055
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             55,303
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    55,303
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0