<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 three-month period ended July 31, 2000 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-2001
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<CASH> 18,406
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 105,497
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 90,075
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 236,468
<PP&E> 170,237
<DEPRECIATION> 69,672
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 556,762
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 105,030
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 22,804
<OTHER-SE> 230,069
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 556,762
<SALES> 138,390
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 138,390
<CGS> 89,501
<TOTAL-COSTS> 139,839
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (540)
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3,286
<INCOME-PRETAX> (4,195)
<INCOME-TAX> (1,500)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (2,695)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (2,695)
<EPS-BASIC> (.12)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.12)
</TABLE>