
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Consolidated Statement of Operations and is 
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements. 
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                              DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                          1,192
<SECURITIES>                                        0         
<RECEIVABLES>                                  38,764
<ALLOWANCES>                                    1,795
<INVENTORY>                                    49,219
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               94,973 
<PP&E>                                         76,394
<DEPRECIATION>                                 26,137
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                174,648
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          45,720
<BONDS>                                       134,216
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                               0
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<COMMON>                                           20
<OTHER-SE>                                    (6,986)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  174,648
<SALES>                                       259,998 
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              259,998
<CGS>                                         197,907         
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 197,907 
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               49,128
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             12,946
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    17
<INCOME-TAX>                                    (260)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               277
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0 
<NET-INCOME>                                      277
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    0.14
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    0.14
        

</TABLE>
