<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheet and statement of earnings of Gerber Scientific, Inc.
as of and for the year ended April 30, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-2000
<CASH> 22,954
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 121,494
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 86,472
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 251,962
<PP&E> 165,341
<DEPRECIATION> 66,121
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 572,836
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 112,424
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 22,780
<OTHER-SE> 234,132
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 572,836
<SALES> 610,726
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 610,726
<CGS> 368,862
<TOTAL-COSTS> 562,224
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (1,090)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 10,617
<INCOME-PRETAX> 38,975
<INCOME-TAX> 13,100
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 25,875
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 25,875
<EPS-BASIC> 1.17
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.16
</TABLE>