<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM QUARTERLY
REPORT AS OF AND FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JULY 31, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-2001
<PERIOD-START> MAY-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-2000
<CASH> 80
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 22,646
<ALLOWANCES> 568
<INVENTORY> 49,163
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 75,683
<PP&E> 65,946
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 155,819
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 25,365
<BONDS> 138,671
0
0
<COMMON> 36
<OTHER-SE> (23,194)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 155,819
<SALES> 45,775
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 45,775
<CGS> 36,223
<TOTAL-COSTS> 36,223
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 2,104
<LOSS-PROVISION> 27
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4,113
<INCOME-PRETAX> (999)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (999)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (999)
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>