SIGNAL COMPANIES, INC., THE

major American conglomerate corporation engaged mostly in automotive and aerospace engineering, energy development, and environmental improvement. Headquarters are in La Jolla, Calif. The company was incorporated in 1928 as the Signal Oil and Gas Company, to continue the business of Signal Gas Company. Within a few months it became involved in the production side of the petroleum industry. It assumed its present name in 1968. Over the years the company has grown through acquisition into a highly sophisticated technological concern. In 1964 it acquired Garrett Corporation, thus entering the aerospace field. Garrett makes engines, control systems, and other aircraft and missile components. Its products are used on nearly all U.S. commercial and military aircraft and on many of foreign design. In 1975 the company acquired controlling interest in UOP Inc. (formerly Universal Oil Products Company), which provides technology for the petroleum-refining and petrochemical industries, as well as producing environmental control systems. In 1981 The Signal Companies acquired Ampex Corporation, which manufactures audio and video, data-memory, and magnetic-tape products. Signal also owns Dunham-Bush, manufacturer of refrigerating and cooling equipment, and Wheelabrator-Frye, an engineering and construction concern.