<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1997
<CASH>                                             732
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   34,595
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,627
<INVENTORY>                                     29,781
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                68,499
<PP&E>                                          22,973
<DEPRECIATION>                                  13,171
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 101,264
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           17,816
<BONDS>                                         43,251
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            77
<OTHER-SE>                                      40,120
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   101,264
<SALES>                                        147,600
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               147,600
<CGS>                                          102,111
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  102,111
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                33,609
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,115
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  8,682
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,212
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              5,470
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     5,470
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .71
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .71