<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 six-month periods ended October 31, 1998 and 1997 and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-30-1999             APR-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1998             OCT-31-1997
<CASH>                                          21,780                  15,319
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  116,170                  94,562
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0                       0
<INVENTORY>                                     80,073                  68,097
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               227,427                 190,387
<PP&E>                                         144,204                 126,497
<DEPRECIATION>                                  60,603                  59,842
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 539,589                 331,001
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          114,877                  75,156
<BONDS>                                        172,653                   7,050
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0                       0
<PREFERRED>                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                        23,639                  23,364
<OTHER-SE>                                     218,212                 214,168
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   539,589                 331,001
<SALES>                                        304,249                 205,353
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               304,249                 205,353
<CGS>                                          179,157                 115,260
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  275,779                 193,320
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               (1,197)                 (3,010)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,510                     176
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 23,157                  14,867
<INCOME-TAX>                                     8,700                   4,800
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             14,457                  10,067
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                    14,457                  10,067
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .64                   .44<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .62                   .43
<FN>
<F1>RESTATED TO COMPLY WITH SFAS 128.
</FN>
        


</TABLE>