<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Butler
Manufacturing Company Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarter
ended June 30, 2000, and Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2000, and
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000015840
<NAME> BUTLER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-1-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1999
<CASH> 17,519
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 137,197
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 57,793
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 263,860
<PP&E> 253,309
<DEPRECIATION> 150,841
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 407,172
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 180,465
<BONDS> 56,830<F1>
0
0
<COMMON> 12,623
<OTHER-SE> 205,980<F2>
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 407,172
<SALES> 463,225
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 462,854<F3>
<CGS> 386,354
<TOTAL-COSTS> 386,354
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 59,979<F4>
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,672
<INCOME-PRETAX> 14,290
<INCOME-TAX> 5,432
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 8,858
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 8,858
<EPS-BASIC> 1.33
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.32
<FN>
<F1>Reflects long-term debt, less current maturities
<F2>Reflects other stockholders' equity before deduction of $62.2 million cost
of treasury stock
<F3>Reflects net sales plus net international joint venture income less net other
expense
<F4>Consists of selling, general and administrative expense
</FN>
</TABLE>
