<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE JPM COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 1,860
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 24,190
<ALLOWANCES> 750
<INVENTORY> 46,565
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 82,438
<PP&E> 30,897
<DEPRECIATION> 13,849
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 144,036
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 105,157
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 30,223
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 144,036
<SALES> 127,583
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 127,583
<CGS> 115,954
<TOTAL-COSTS> 115,954
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,967
<INCOME-PRETAX> (6,705)
<INCOME-TAX> 804
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (7,750)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (7,750)
<EPS-BASIC> (1.05)
<EPS-DILUTED> (1.05)
</TABLE>