WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

  

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                               
<PERIOD-TYPE>                            6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                  MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                      SEPT-30-1998
<CASH>                                       0
<SECURITIES>                                 0
<RECEIVABLES>                          210,719
<ALLOWANCES>                             5,886
<INVENTORY>                            165,863
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                       395,738
<PP&E>                                 977,317
<DEPRECIATION>                         262,175
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                       1,720,031
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                  211,089
<BONDS>                                906,356
<COMMON>                                   717
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                        0
<PREFERRED>                                  0
<OTHER-SE>                             437,464
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>         1,720,031
<SALES>                                797,365
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                       797,365
<CGS>                                  424,348
<TOTAL-COSTS>                          732,145
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                             0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                      30,526
<INCOME-PRETAX>                         37,501
<INCOME-TAX>                            15,746
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                     21,755
<DISCONTINUED>                               0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                              0
<CHANGES>                                    0
<NET-INCOME>                            21,755
<EPS-PRIMARY>                              .31
<EPS-DILUTED>                              .30