<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ANNUAL
REPORT AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> APR-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> MAY-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-2000
<CASH> 79
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 25,861
<ALLOWANCES> 541
<INVENTORY> 49,333
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 79,459
<PP&E> 136,448
<DEPRECIATION> 70,203
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 160,453
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 35,415
<BONDS> 130,135
0
0
<COMMON> 35
<OTHER-SE> (19,248)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 160,453
<SALES> 172,114
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 172,114
<CGS> 133,273
<TOTAL-COSTS> 133,273
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 8,343
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 15,167
<INCOME-PRETAX> 193
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 193
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 193
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>