<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           3,407
<SECURITIES>                                       996
<RECEIVABLES>                                   27,005
<ALLOWANCES>                                       970
<INVENTORY>                                     15,815
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                51,699
<PP&E>                                          25,494
<DEPRECIATION>                                  10,389
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  76,575
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           33,080
<BONDS>                                        111,945
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            49
<OTHER-SE>                                      43,741
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    76,575
<SALES>                                         35,775
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                35,775
<CGS>                                           15,749
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   31,741
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   169
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   121
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,971
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    964
<INCOME-TAX>                                       386
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                578
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       578
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .11