<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
unaudited financial statements dated March 31, 1999 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements. Amounts are based on
conversion rate of 1,791 lire to the dollar which prevailed at March 31, 1999.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1999
<CASH>                                       1,552,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                               19,218,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 1,131,000
<INVENTORY>                                 20,627,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            40,563,000
<PP&E>                                      24,223,000
<DEPRECIATION>                              14,856,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              50,605,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       43,787,000
<BONDS>                                      1,673,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        55,000
<OTHER-SE>                                     755,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                50,605,000
<SALES>                                      9,812,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             9,812,000
<CGS>                                        9,742,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               12,192,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             2,450,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             594,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (2,939,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                    22,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (2,961,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (2,961,000)
<EPS-BASIC>                                   (0.74)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.74)