<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARK ELECTROCHEMICAL CORP. AND IS QUALIFIED IN IT
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-02-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-01-1996
<CASH>                                          82,121
<SECURITIES>                                    52,304
<RECEIVABLES>                                   44,304
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     25,969
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               209,204
<PP&E>                                         157,518
<DEPRECIATION>                                  77,760
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 293,448
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           50,666
<BONDS>                                        100,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,358
<OTHER-SE>                                     133,175
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   293,448
<SALES>                                        157,380
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               160,908
<CGS>                                          130,694
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  146,870
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,725
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 11,313
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,507
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              7,806
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     7,806
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .67
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .67