<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT APRIL 30, 2000 AND THE CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2000 AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-30-2000
<CASH>                                          99,976
<SECURITIES>                                     7,071
<RECEIVABLES>                                   62,271
<ALLOWANCES>                                       874
<INVENTORY>                                     87,876
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               259,135
<PP&E>                                         421,919
<DEPRECIATION>                                 174,217
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 565,388
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          111,002
<BONDS>                                        421,022
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                   (125,005)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   565,388
<SALES>                                        297,361
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               297,361
<CGS>                                          250,245
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  250,245
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                22,072
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  (15)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              22,804
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  8,812
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,812
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,812
<EPS-BASIC>                                          0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0