<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                             181
<SECURITIES>                                        15
<RECEIVABLES>                                   16,523
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (5,109)
<INVENTORY>                                     13,239
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                28,155
<PP&E>                                          45,684
<DEPRECIATION>                                (17,852)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  72,697
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           12,196
<BONDS>                                          2,651
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                              189
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                      57,079
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    72,697
<SALES>                                         53,172
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                60,140
<CGS>                                           49,740
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   18,301
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     3
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 587
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (8,491)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       410
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (8,901)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (8,901)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.48)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.48)