<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                             318
<SECURITIES>                                     8,092
<RECEIVABLES>                                   86,336
<ALLOWANCES>                                       328
<INVENTORY>                                     33,911
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               168,837
<PP&E>                                         191,446
<DEPRECIATION>                                  41,164
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 412,562
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           81,776
<BONDS>                                        203,205
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                     40,586
<COMMON>                                         1,050
<OTHER-SE>                                     (2,078)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   412,562
<SALES>                                        408,144
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               408,144
<CGS>                                          372,612
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  372,612
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                22,235
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              14,449
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (1,185)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     (475)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              (710)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     (710)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (5.49)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (5.49)