<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 3, 1999, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-03-1999
<CASH>                                             180
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   58,191
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (2,941)
<INVENTORY>                                     49,602
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               114,987
<PP&E>                                         222,195
<DEPRECIATION>                                 (88,862)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 346,125
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           97,438
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           133
<OTHER-SE>                                     104,688
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   346,125
<SALES>                                        155,529
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               155,529
<CGS>                                          134,638
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  134,638
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                17,413
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              10,102
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (6,624)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (2,320)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (4,304)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (4,304)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.32)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.32)