<ARTICLE>      5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
December 31, 1997 Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Earnings for the
year ended December 31, 1997 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>   1,000
       
                                       
<PERIOD-TYPE>                             YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                    DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                         DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                                    14,693
<SECURITIES>                                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                            123,205
<ALLOWANCES>                                               2,894
<INVENTORY>                                              256,736
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                         427,443
<PP&E>                                                   678,769
<DEPRECIATION>                                           391,150
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                           933,034
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                    239,578
<BONDS>                                                  757,578
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                          0
<PREFERRED>                                                    0
<COMMON>                                                     705
<OTHER-SE>                                             (359,161)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                             933,034
<SALES>                                                1,314,869
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                       1,314,869
<CGS>                                                    898,269
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                            218,808
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                               0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                        54,043
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                          143,749
<INCOME-TAX>                                              48,875
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                       94,874
<DISCONTINUED>                                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                0
<CHANGES>                                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                              94,874
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                               1.44
<EPS-DILUTED>                                               1.42