<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-30-1997
<CASH>                                          13,836
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   94,712
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,977
<INVENTORY>                                     11,973
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               170,290
<PP&E>                                          62,453
<DEPRECIATION>                                  32,763
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 489,186
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          208,870
<BONDS>                                        305,097
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         12
<COMMON>                                            32
<OTHER-SE>                                    (23,563)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   489,186
<SALES>                                        295,234
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               295,234
<CGS>                                          259,351
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  259,351
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                37,028
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,718
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (76,083)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       433
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (76,516)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (76,516)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (2.44)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.77)