As Norwell, Mass.-based SIGNET Electronic Systems Inc. approaches its 40th anniversary, a recent contract award could take business in a new direction – and increase the company’s profitability.

Sometimes it makes a difference when an integrator can more quickly bring best-of-breed solutions to an anxious client.

Back in 1974, when gas was 55 cents a gallon and a worker’s average annual income was about $10,900, his father, Charles, founded the company with a focus on the then solid service business in office intercoms and master antennas. Over those growing pain years and with myriad changes and advances in communications technologies, the business — then consisting of about two handfuls of employees — was critically challenged.