<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheets and statements of earnings of Gerber Scientific,
Inc. as of and for the nine-month periods ended January 31, 1999 and 1998 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-30-1999             APR-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1999             JAN-31-1998
<CASH>                                          16,884                  25,743
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  109,395                  93,489
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0
<INVENTORY>                                     80,663                  70,520
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               218,382                 203,163
<PP&E>                                         149,407                 129,543
<DEPRECIATION>                                  63,179                  62,039
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 531,407                 334,265
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          106,555                  75,006
<BONDS>                                        170,535                   7,002
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0                       0
<PREFERRED>                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                        23,462                  23,392
<OTHER-SE>                                     220,819                 217,178
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   531,407                 334,265
<SALES>                                        445,048                 310,189
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               445,048                 310,189
<CGS>                                          260,566                 171,304
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  403,707                 289,329
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               (1,675)                 (3,388)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               9,114                     266
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 33,902                  23,982
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,400                   7,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             21,502                  16,282
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    21,502                  16,282
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .95                     .71
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .93                     .70
        

</TABLE>