Federal Electric Company was founded in 1901 by John F. Gilchrist, John H. Goehst (both of Commonwealth Edison), and James Gilchrist. Initially seeing signs as a good way to advertise and protect businesses while consuming electricity, they quickly left the utility company and founded the sign company. Eventually, they offered new and diverse products such as sirens, fuses, vacuum cleaners, and washing machines. The company incorporated in New York as Federal Sign Systems Electric in 1905 and began publicly trading stock. During World War I, it transitioned into various divisions of Federal Sign and Signal Corporation because of the corporation's product innovation. The sign group eventually became Federal Sign, a division of Federal Signal Corporation.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1901
Federal Electric Company, Inc. was chartered on March 25.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1905
Opened New York office under the name Federal Sign System Electric. Began manufacturing electric lighting fixtures for indoor use.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1915
Acquired patent for electric sirens from R.P. Hartenstein.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1924
After Georges Claude, a French scientist, developed a process in the mid−20s that enabled gaseous neon tube production, neon soon became the primary method of providing sign lighting, identification and advertising.
1900's - 1930's in photos
A few years later, in 1948 when Wayne Heath founded Heath and Company in Los Angeles. Wayne was a designer by trade and his ability to create and build unique signs paved the way for the company to proliferate during the 50s and 60s. Its innovative designs and products resulted in its recognition as an emerging leader in the industry and naturally led to larger national clients' pursuit.
Fischbach Corporation acquired Heath in 1968, followed the next year by the purchases of Liberty Sign Company in Dallas and Artkraft Sign Company in Oldsmar, a Tampa suburb. Heath continued to gain national recognition in the 1970s and established a national maintenance center to serve its client’s maintenance needs. A Las Vegas office opened during these years, and soon Heath was fabricating and installing landmark signs in Las Vegas and Reno.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1944
A focus on WWII production needs gained Federal the Army-Navy Production Award for Meritorious and Distinguished Service.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1948
Name changed to Federal Enterprises, Inc. when ITT acquired the name Federal Electric Company.
Wayne Heath founded Heath and Company in Los Angeles, CA.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1968
Fischbach Corp acquired Heath and Company.
Federal acquired Nu-Art Sign Company and Starlite Neon Sign Company.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1969
Heath acquired Artkraft Sign (Florida) and Liberty Sign ( Texas) and establishes national presence.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1976
Federal sold remaining outdoor billboard business.
1940's - 1970's in photos
In the 80s, Heath not only fabricated one of the first major bank conversion projects (600 locations) and began developing its program management skills to better service multi−location accounts. By the end of the century, Heath and Company had plants and offices throughout the country. During the late 80s, Federal Sign acquired several smaller companies, including Melweb in Florida and Sign Systems, Inc., (SSI) in Las Vegas. The company’s now national presence enabled it to successfully manage large custom projects such as sports stadium scoreboards, major casino signs, and theme park signage. Additionally, its geographic positioning was well suited to managing significant national and international multi−location projects for retail, corporate ID, and hospitality clients.
In 1996 a private equity group acquired Heath, and Ken and Diane Hendricks were among its investors, becoming its majority owners in 2001. As the century turned into the 21st, a spin-off of Federal Sign from Federal Signal Corporation was announced, and the sale of Federal Sign to Ken and Diane Hendricks was finalized on April 30, 2003. The Hendricks were significant private investors in several companies, the largest holding being ABC Supply, a distributor of construction and building materials. With the purchase of Federal Sign, the Hendricks combined the two companies to create privately held Federal Heath Sign Company, LLC. Over the next three years, Federal Heath acquired select assets and hired former employees of Zimmerman Sign (2005) Sign Strut Milwaukee (2006). Ken Hendricks passed away after a tragic accident in December 2007. In 2015, Federal Heath acquired Duracolor, LLC and Advance Graphic Systems' select assets in 2019, which added printed graphics to its capabilities. Today, Diane M. Hendricks Enterprises is the single owner of Federal Heath Sign Company.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1981
Federal acquired State Sign Services of Houston, TX. Introduced FEDLite energy saving lighting. Moved the electronic display operations to enlarge Arlington facility.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1987
Federal acquired QRS Neon Corporation and Manchester Tool Company. Instituted
computerized design, estimating, and manufacturing.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1988
Federal acquired Melweb, Sign Systems Inc. and Claude Federal Sign.
-
Jan 25, 2021
1996
Heath acquired by a private equity group including Ken & Diane Hendricks.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2001
Heath and Company reorganized as Heath Sign Company, LLC.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2003
Heath Sign Co. acquired Federal Sign and is combined into one entity by Hendricks.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2005
Zimmerman Sign acquired by Federal Heath, expanding product offerings to the petroleum market.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2006
Milwaukee Sign Strut acquired.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2011
Federal Heath enters the Digital Signage market.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2015
DuraColor is acquired to increase digital printing capabilities.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2016
Federal Heath updates its brand and logo to reflect its wide array of products and services as Federal Heath – Visual Communications.
-
Jan 25, 2021
2019
Advance Graphic Systems is acquired to strengthen interior décor, design, and graphic solutions.