<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Balance
Sheet as of June 30, 1998 and the related Statement of Income for the
year-to-date ended June 30, 1998.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLARS
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                          14,702
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  100,322
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,271
<INVENTORY>                                    104,926
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               231,907
<PP&E>                                          56,640
<DEPRECIATION>                                  32,417
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 343,863
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           89,070
<BONDS>                                         60,000<F1>
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                          115,727<F2>
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            72
<OTHER-SE>                                      24,225
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   343,863
<SALES>                                        362,293
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               362,293
<CGS>                                          216,989
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  124,716
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (201)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   690
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,334
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 11,339
<INCOME-TAX>                                     5,103
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,236
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,236
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .91
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .91
<FN>
<F1>Bonds represents all long-term debt for senior notes.
<F2>Represents guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the corporations
    junior subordinated debentures.
</FN>