<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 4, 1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS      
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-03-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-05-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-04-1998
<CASH>                                             282
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   79,920<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (2,875)<F1>
<INVENTORY>                                     68,329
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               153,393
<PP&E>                                         219,308
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (73,585)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 397,526
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           55,430
<BONDS>                                        226,623
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           133
<OTHER-SE>                                     103,734
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   397,526
<SALES>                                        201,889
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               201,889
<CGS>                                          167,363
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  167,363
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                19,709
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              10,996
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  3,821
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,495
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,326
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,326
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.17
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.17
<FN>
<F1>
Amounts are reported net of reserves in the Consolidated Condensed Balance
Sheets.

Amounts inapplicable or not disclosed as a separate line on the Balance Sheet or
Statement of Income are reported as $0 herein.
</FN>