<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FORM 10-Q FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JULY 31, 2000 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> OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<CASH> 1,649
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 28,981
<ALLOWANCES> 333
<INVENTORY> 50,148
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 86,733
<PP&E> 79,424
<DEPRECIATION> 21,637
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 223,103
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 72,546
<BONDS> 67,764
<COMMON> 75
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 73,641
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 223,103
<SALES> 265,834
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 265,834
<CGS> 216,166
<TOTAL-COSTS> 216,166
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 27,849
<LOSS-PROVISION> 37
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 6,935
<INCOME-PRETAX> 14,847
<INCOME-TAX> 5,939
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 8,908
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 8,908
<EPS-BASIC> 1.28
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.24
</TABLE>