<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE
SHEETS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-28-2000
<CASH> 65
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 368,134<F1>
<ALLOWANCES> 0<F2>
<INVENTORY> 213,461
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 633,203
<PP&E> 372,639
<DEPRECIATION> 244,457
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 897,997
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 371,234
<BONDS> 195,683<F3>
0
0
<COMMON> 12,721<F4>
<OTHER-SE> 311,925
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 897,997
<SALES> 1,067,204
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,067,204
<CGS> 672,029
<TOTAL-COSTS> 304,585
<OTHER-EXPENSES> (748)<F5>
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 21,060
<INCOME-PRETAX> 70,278
<INCOME-TAX> 26,003
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 44,275
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 44,275
<EPS-BASIC> 3.46
<EPS-DILUTED> 3.39
<FN>
<F1>Total net receivables
<F2>Not included in quarterly information
<F3>Total long-term debt
<F4>Does not include additional paid-in-capital
<F5>Other income, net
</FN>
</TABLE>