<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
condensed consolidated financial statements as filed in the Company's Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 1996 and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1996
<CASH>                                          11,364
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  374,739
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,575
<INVENTORY>                                    291,995
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               714,671
<PP&E>                                         290,104
<DEPRECIATION>                                  77,847
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,281,753
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          317,451
<BONDS>                                        558,537
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           532
<OTHER-SE>                                     333,931
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,281,753
<SALES>                                        724,333
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               726,214
<CGS>                                          507,710
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  507,710
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,906
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              18,813
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 68,237
<INCOME-TAX>                                    23,201
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             43,085
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                  (647)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    42,438
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .80<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .80<F1>
<FN>
<F1>Per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split
paid July 15, 1996. Financial Data Schedules for prior periods have not been
restated for this stock split.
</FN>