<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 31,1997 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1997
<CASH>                                           1,216
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   36,941
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,414
<INVENTORY>                                     31,332
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                71,668
<PP&E>                                          22,017
<DEPRECIATION>                                  13,200
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 103,341
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           16,288
<BONDS>                                         46,204
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            77
<OTHER-SE>                                      40,772
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   103,341
<SALES>                                        120,977
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               120,977
<CGS>                                           82,518
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   82,518
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                25,862
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,550
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  9,896
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,711
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,185
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,185
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .80
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .80