<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FORM 10-Q FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-2000
<CASH> 4,647,045
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 26,991,893
<ALLOWANCES> 330,272
<INVENTORY> 56,067,220
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 93,558,889
<PP&E> 78,139,308
<DEPRECIATION> 19,979,536
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 231,224,559
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 80,210,448
<BONDS> 72,060,550
<COMMON> 75,204
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 69,801,146
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 231,224,559
<SALES> 172,541,910
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 172,541,910
<CGS> 140,408,864
<TOTAL-COSTS> 140,408,864
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 18,814,704
<LOSS-PROVISION> 30,650
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,716,322
<INCOME-PRETAX> 8,571,370
<INCOME-TAX> 3,427,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 5,144,370
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 5,144,370
<EPS-BASIC> .74
<EPS-DILUTED> .72
</TABLE>