Signage That Brings Brands to Life — Nationwide, Since 1901

For over 125 years, Federal Heath has been a national signage leader, helping brands bring their identities to life — boldly, consistently, and reliably. What started in 1901 with a bright idea to light up signs has grown into a trusted partner for companies across every industry.

We deliver complete national signage programs — from design and project management to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance — handling every detail to ensure your signage looks great, performs well, and lasts.

What sets us apart? We actually follow through. Service, quality, and innovation aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the foundation of the lasting partnerships we’ve built across a wide range of markets and projects.

With more than 20 offices and multiple state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities across the U.S., we bring turnkey signage solutions, national reach, and over a century of expertise to every project — whether it's a multi-site conversion, a new brand rollout, or a custom installation.

Let’s bring your vision to life — with a national signage partner that’s been doing it right for over a century.

OUR HISTORY

In 1900, two executives of the Chicago Edison Company were looking for ways to sell more electricity when they conceived the idea of inserting incandescent lamps into porcelain enamel steel signs. These were the first electrified signs to be used as advertising, with the added benefit of lighting the dark streets of early Chicago. With their entrepreneurial idea, Federal Electric Company was born.

1901

Founding of Federal Electric Company

Federal Electric Company was founded in 1901 in Chicago, pioneering illuminated signage. It became the first U.S. company to specialize in electric signs, launching a new era in visual advertising.
1926

Neon Era Begins

French scientist Georges Claude developed a process for producing neon tubes, which made neon economical for use in the mid-1920s. Neon became a prime method of providing sign illumination and advertising.

Federal Electric joined Claude Neon, bringing neon signage to the U.S. in a big way, opening the door to glowing neon displays that became icons of American advertising.
1944

Recognized for War Effort

Federal was awarded the prestigious Army-Navy "E" award for excellence in war production.

During WWII, the production of metal signs was prohibited. A significant portion of Federal's work involved signaling systems for landing boats, destroyers, and submarines, as well as airframe parts, ship components, and more for all three branches of the military.
1948

Heath Sign Company Founded

In 1948, Wayne Heath founded W. Heath & Company in Los Angeles.

Known for bold, imaginative designs, the company quickly became a creative force in the West Coast sign industry. Heath and Federal will later merge to create one of the nation's largest custom sign companies.
1954

Federal Sign & Signal Formed

Federal Electric became Federal Sign and Signal, reflecting its expanded product line in signs, sirens, and emergency systems.

The new name marked a larger role in public and commercial infrastructure.
1962

Coast-to-Coast Merger

In 1962, Federal merged with Los Angeles-based Electrical Products Corporation, gaining 26 new branches.

The merger created the largest custom electric sign company in the U.S., expanding coast-to-coast operations.
1975

Federal Sign Division is Established

As the 1970s dawned, Federal Sign and Signal had a combination of 38 offices and manufacturing plants around the country.

To distinguish the lines of business, Federal Signal Corporation was established and the sign division became Federal Sign
1986

Dallas Skyline Goes Green

A significant feat was achieved when Federal outlined Dallas' 72-story Bank of America Plaza in downtown Dallas with 1.7 miles of green argon tubing - now upgraded to LEDs.

The glowing tower remains a defining feature of the city's vibrant skyline.
1999

Paris Las Vegas Balloon Sign Lights up the Strip

Federal Sign created the iconic Paris Las Vegas pylon, a 180-foot neon-lit replica of an 18th-century French hot air balloon, to celebrate the first piloted balloon launched into the sky by the Montgolfier Brothers.

Showcasing craftsmanship with hand-painted detail and engineering excellence, the sign is a notable fixture on the Las Vegas strip.
2003

Heath Sign and Federal Sign Merge

Federal Sign was acquired from Federal Signal Corporation by Ken and Diane Hendrick's, the owners of Heath Sign Company. The acquisition formed Federal Heath Sign Company and created one of the largest custom electric sign companies in the U.S., uniting two respected brands and expanding national reach and capabilities.
2005 - 2006

Zimmerman Sign and Signstrut Milwaukee are Acquired

in 2005, Federal Heath acquired Zimmerman Sign Company of Texas, a family-owned business since 1935. The move added depth to Federal Heath's products and services in the petroleum and automotive markets and expanded our manufacturing capabilities.

The acquisition of Signstrut Milwaukee in 2006, added expertise in petroleum signage while expanding our capabilities in fascia systems, canopies, and elements for large-scale conversions and brand rollout projects.
2010

CITCO Sign Restoration

Federal Heath restores Boston's iconic CITGO sign with over 218,000 LEDs, replacing outdated technology.

The glowing trimark sign still lights Fenway Park's skyline and remains a symbol for the city and its fans.
2015

Carlsbad Archway Re-Imagined

Federal Heath designed, fabricated, and installed the 82-foot illuminated archway in Carlsbad, CA. The welcome sign, based on the 1930s original, features bold illuminated letters, measures 31' x 5'5", and weighs more than 19,000 pounds.
2015

Digital Printing Capabilities Expanded

DuraColor, a large-format digital and screen printing company based in Racine, WI, was acquired. The added manufacturing and digital imaging capabilities, top-notch finishing equipment, and expertise would allow us to print in-house and better serve our clients.
2019

Fremont Street Lights Up

Federal Heath installed the world's largest video screen, a four-block LED canopy, at Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. The work upgraded the LEDs' brightness, clarity, and capabilities.
2021

Launching Houston Spaceport

Federal Heath fabricated and installed the main sign for the Houston Spaceport, delivering precision engineering and standout visuals for this milestone aerospace project - the first urban spaceport in the United States.
2023

Federal Heath Joins Marsh Global Holdings

Federal Heath Holdings Limited, part of Marsh Global Holdings, acquires Federal Heath. This move strengthens resources and supports long-term growth in the signage industry.
2025 and Beyond

The Future is Bright

Our enduring success is not the result of chance, but of deliberate commitment, the dedication of exceptional individuals, and a consistent focus on client satisfaction.

As we reflect on the milestones that have shaped our journey, we remain steadfast in our focus on the future and the opportunities it holds.