<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Income Statements and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          10,844
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   84,999
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,297
<INVENTORY>                                     47,464
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               152,856
<PP&E>                                          63,253
<DEPRECIATION>                                  20,430
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 385,773
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           93,927
<BONDS>                                        244,682
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           676
<OTHER-SE>                                      46,488
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   385,773
<SALES>                                        256,146
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               256,146
<CGS>                                          172,390
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  172,390
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              19,131
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 17,573
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,997
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,576
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     9,576
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.18