<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31,
1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAY-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JUN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1999
<CASH>                                           1,444
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  147,589
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,686
<INVENTORY>                                    270,475
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               497,652
<PP&E>                                         190,614
<DEPRECIATION>                                  84,261
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 718,913
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          156,581
<BONDS>                                        180,800
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        29,037
<OTHER-SE>                                     305,987
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   335,024
<SALES>                                        266,683
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               266,683
<CGS>                                          222,493
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  246,176
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   478<F1>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,121<F2>
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 15,386
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,555
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             10,831
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,831
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .40
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .39
<FN>
<F1>PROVISION FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS IS INCLUDED IN TOTAL COSTS AND EXPENSES
<F2>INTEREST EXPENSE IS PRESENTED NET OF $688 OF INTEREST INCOME
</FN>