<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1998
<CASH>                                             862
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   42,395
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,043
<INVENTORY>                                     43,573
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                90,406
<PP&E>                                          26,667
<DEPRECIATION>                                  13,756
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 132,532
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           21,655
<BONDS>                                         66,625
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            78
<OTHER-SE>                                      44,174
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   132,532
<SALES>                                        170,604
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               170,604
<CGS>                                          119,151
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  119,151
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                41,464
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,218
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  5,520
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,860
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,660
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,660
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .47
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .47