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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




         We have issued our reports dated September 13, 1996 accompanying the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Peerless Mfg. Co. appearing
in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 1996, which are
incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement of the aforementioned 
reports.


GRANT THORNTON LLP

Dallas, Texas
November 25, 1996