<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT JULY 31, 2000 AND THE CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2000.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<CASH> 96,508
<SECURITIES> 7,293
<RECEIVABLES> 53,800
<ALLOWANCES> 874
<INVENTORY> 94,504
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 251,537
<PP&E> 426,944
<DEPRECIATION> 178,847
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 555,447
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 103,703
<BONDS> 421,006
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> (129,768)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 555,447
<SALES> 438,087
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 438,087
<CGS> 372,430
<TOTAL-COSTS> 372,430
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 32,885
<LOSS-PROVISION> (15)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 34,200
<INCOME-PRETAX> 7,299
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 7,299
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 7,299
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>