<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT APRIL 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED) AND THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED
APRIL 30, 1999 (UNAUDITED).
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-30-1999
<CASH>                                          79,358
<SECURITIES>                                    16,015
<RECEIVABLES>                                   54,625
<ALLOWANCES>                                       904
<INVENTORY>                                     72,895
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               222,266
<PP&E>                                         417,460
<DEPRECIATION>                                 156,949
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 525,075
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          111,475
<BONDS>                                        421,085
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                   (134,411)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   525,075
<SALES>                                        249,392
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               249,392
<CGS>                                          223,583
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  223,583
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                20,286
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              22,833
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (13,100)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (21,477)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,377
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,377
<EPS-BASIC>                                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0