<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM REGISTRANT'S
REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-30-1996
<CASH>                                           4,576
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   10,190
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     13,891
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                40,452
<PP&E>                                          82,680
<DEPRECIATION>                                  51,391
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  77,396
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           15,400
<BONDS>                                         50,310
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     21,021
<COMMON>                                        28,641
<OTHER-SE>                                    (37,976)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    77,396
<SALES>                                        191,964
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               191,964
<CGS>                                          186,514
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  186,514
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,318
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (8,498)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (2,454)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (6,044)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (6,044)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.76)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.76)