<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
financial statements of Park Electrochemical Corp. and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-02-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-01-1996
<CASH>                                          62,631
<SECURITIES>                                    80,677
<RECEIVABLES>                                   48,222
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     21,826
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               217,828
<PP&E>                                         163,040
<DEPRECIATION>                                  80,839
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 304,435
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           56,759
<BONDS>                                        100,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,358
<OTHER-SE>                                     137,743
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   304,435
<SALES>                                        246,352
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               251,726
<CGS>                                          204,281
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  229,267
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,062
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 18,397
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,703
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             12,694
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    12,694
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    $1.09
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    $1.09