<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1996
<CASH>                                            1700
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<ALLOWANCES>                                      4200
<INVENTORY>                                      69200
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                220600
<PP&E>                                          252500
<DEPRECIATION>                                  144900
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  380400
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           108000
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                          1700
<OTHER-SE>                                      168200
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    380400
<SALES>                                         367400
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                367400
<CGS>                                           192000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   192000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                139800
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                5800
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  29800
<INCOME-TAX>                                     11600
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              18200
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     18200
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0