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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8)  pertaining to the Mueller  Industries,  Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan of our
report  dated  February  6, 1998,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements of Mueller Industries, Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report  (Form  10-K)  for the year  ended  December  27,  1997  and the  related
financial  statement  schedule included  therein,  filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis Tennessee
May 7, 1998



