<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 APRIL 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                            AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              APR-30-1998
<CASH>                                              0
<SECURITIES>                                        0         
<RECEIVABLES>                                  55,126<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0
<INVENTORY>                                    51,986
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              111,368 
<PP&E>                                        173,974
<DEPRECIATION>                                 44,186
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                291,248
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          57,851
<BONDS>                                       139,252
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<COMMON>                                           90
<OTHER-SE>                                     84,027
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  291,248
<SALES>                                       227,915 
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              227,915
<CGS>                                         201,785         
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 201,785 
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               11,374
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              7,078
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 7,678
<INCOME-TAX>                                    3,382
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             4,296
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                     (1,111) 
<NET-INCOME>                                    3,185
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .36
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .34
<FN>

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