<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                    $ 12,418,718
<SECURITIES>                                 3,079,084
<RECEIVABLES>                               26,158,666
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                 11,973,194
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            55,760,218
<PP&E>                                      63,492,651
<DEPRECIATION>                              26,169,878
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             153,411,709
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       24,910,930
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                     9,083,498
<OTHER-SE>                                  93,375,545
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               153,411,709
<SALES>                                    171,977,619
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           171,977,619
<CGS>                                       95,336,719
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               95,336,719
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             131,364
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             33,522,616
<INCOME-TAX>                                13,265,062
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         20,257,554
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                20,257,554
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.28
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.22