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

  

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                               
<PERIOD-TYPE>                            6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                  MAR-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                      SEPT-30-1997
<CASH>                                       0
<SECURITIES>                                 0
<RECEIVABLES>                          180,242
<ALLOWANCES>                             4,882
<INVENTORY>                            146,109
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                       360,875
<PP&E>                                 839,188
<DEPRECIATION>                         204,679
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                       1,490,494
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                  190,449
<BONDS>                                743,718
<COMMON>                                   698
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                        0
<PREFERRED>                                  0
<OTHER-SE>                             395,328
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>         1,490,494
<SALES>                                691,768
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                       691,768
<CGS>                                  369,135
<TOTAL-COSTS>                          610,768
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                             0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                      25,778
<INCOME-PRETAX>                         56,969
<INCOME-TAX>                            23,068
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                     33,901
<DISCONTINUED>                               0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                              0
<CHANGES>                                    0
<NET-INCOME>                            33,901
<EPS-PRIMARY>                              .50
<EPS-DILUTED>                              .48