<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine
months ended June 30, 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> SEP-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 3,424
<SECURITIES> 4,618
<RECEIVABLES> 88,312
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 249,070
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 381,156
<PP&E> 627,570
<DEPRECIATION> 247,991
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,190,636
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 207,566
<BONDS> 516,137
0
0
<COMMON> 310,397
<OTHER-SE> 45,249
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,190,636
<SALES> 1,364,077
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 1,364,077
<CGS> 1,244,768
<TOTAL-COSTS> 1,244,768
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 43,502
<INCOME-PRETAX> 8,995
<INCOME-TAX> 6,569
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 2,426
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 2,426
<EPS-BASIC> 0.08
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.08
</TABLE>