<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the 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-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             SEP-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1998
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  621,366
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    950,615
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,733,661
<PP&E>                                       1,696,247
<DEPRECIATION>                                 868,899
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,077,383
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,325,185
<BONDS>                                        772,284
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    100,071
<COMMON>                                       505,510
<OTHER-SE>                                     300,210
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,077,383
<SALES>                                      2,078,107
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,582,250
<CGS>                                        1,976,985
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,469,777
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              19,929
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (14,787)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       948
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (6,400)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (6,400)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0