
<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1997
<CASH>                                          26,364
<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<INVENTORY>                                     79,366
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<PP&E>                                         323,620
<DEPRECIATION>                                 191,437
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 410,154
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          140,563
<BONDS>                                          7,361
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
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<COMMON>                                       135,317
<OTHER-SE>                                     101,850
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   410,154
<SALES>                                        384,025
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                     0
<CGS>                                          269,698
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   77,389
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   606
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   201
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,073
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<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
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<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    22,566
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .88
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .89
        







</TABLE>
