<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM 
THE UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF 
OPERATIONS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS 
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                            AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              JAN-31-1998
<CASH>                                              0
<SECURITIES>                                        0         
<RECEIVABLES>                                  48,980<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0
<INVENTORY>                                    48,278
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              101,959 
<PP&E>                                        160,759
<DEPRECIATION>                                 41,842
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                270,104
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          56,460
<BONDS>                                       122,008
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<COMMON>                                           90
<OTHER-SE>                                     81,549
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  270,104
<SALES>                                       138,255 
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              138,255
<CGS>                                         123,444         
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 123,444 
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                7,007
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              4,558
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 3,246
<INCOME-TAX>                                    1,428
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             1,818
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                     (1,111) 
<NET-INCOME>                                      707
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .08
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .08
<FN>

<F1> Notes and accounts receivable - trade are reported net of allowances for 
     doubtful accounts in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
</FN>