<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended July 31,1997 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<CASH>                                           9,017
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  116,716
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,665
<INVENTORY>                                    120,974
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               247,545
<PP&E>                                         158,146
<DEPRECIATION>                                  30,578
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 429,499
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           85,520
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           188
<OTHER-SE>                                     204,937
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   429,499
<SALES>                                        516,996
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               516,996
<CGS>                                          362,060
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  454,394
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  (58)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,338
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 57,322
<INCOME-TAX>                                    21,287
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             36,035
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    36,035
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    $1.75
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    $1.74