<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> FEB-28-2001
<PERIOD-START> MAR-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> NOV-30-2000
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 57,747
<ALLOWANCES> 5,394
<INVENTORY> 69,397
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 136,941
<PP&E> 383,018
<DEPRECIATION> 172,833
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 394,875
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 71,261
<BONDS> 135,827
0
0
<COMMON> 354
<OTHER-SE> 151,967
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 394,875
<SALES> 374,972
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 374,972
<CGS> 310,700
<TOTAL-COSTS> 310,700
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 51,491
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 7,183
<INCOME-PRETAX> 5,222
<INCOME-TAX> 1,410
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3,812
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 3,812
<EPS-BASIC> 0.27
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.27
</TABLE>