EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-5978) of our report dated August 1, 1996, on our audits of the financial
statements and financial statement schedule of Fabricated Products (a Division
of Alumax Inc) as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1995. We also consent to the reference to our
firm under the caption "Experts."
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
   
Atlanta, Georgia
February 7, 1997