<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,
1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                    $ 19,958,712
<SECURITIES>                                 3,090,507
<RECEIVABLES>                               30,054,396
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                 11,766,205
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            67,089,451
<PP&E>                                      72,231,128
<DEPRECIATION>                              29,747,385
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             169,204,390
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       36,047,083
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                     9,083,498
<OTHER-SE>                                  95,082,577
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               169,204,390
<SALES>                                    189,168,640
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           189,168,640
<CGS>                                      105,667,754
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              105,667,754
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             337,375
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             32,297,897
<INCOME-TAX>                                12,671,833
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         19,626,064
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                19,626,064
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.28
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.22