<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1996
<CASH>                                          12,667
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  105,933
<ALLOWANCES>                                     5,000
<INVENTORY>                                     11,319
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               185,043
<PP&E>                                          65,357
<DEPRECIATION>                                  29,925
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 538,270
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          177,487
<BONDS>                                        306,542
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         12
<COMMON>                                            32
<OTHER-SE>                                      54,603
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   538,270
<SALES>                                        701,099
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               701,099
<CGS>                                          567,758
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  567,758
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                20,015
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              22,808
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (5,686)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (418)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (5,268)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (5,268)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.27)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .10