Hybritech signed a contract with an unnamed...

Hybritech signed a contract with an unnamed U.S.-based consumer products company to market home diagnostic tests. Hybritech, which now sells pregnancy tests for use in doctors’ offices, said it will develop and manufacture diagnostic tests for sale in drugstores, grocery stores and other convenience outlets. Hybritech is aiming at part of the $250-million home-testing market, which company officials say is growing 20% annually.

Energy Factors signed contracts to own and operate a $26.5-million electricity generation plant 40 miles north of Sacramento. Chairman Robert Morris said the 16.5-megawatt facility would burn agricultural and lumber waste materials. Electric power generated by the facility will be sold to Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Cipher Data Products has signed a distribution agreement with Entre Computer Centres of Slough, England, for distribution of Cipher’s Model 5210 personal computer tape backup system. Entre will buy $2 million worth of Cipher products over the next two years.

Signal Cos. will pay a dividend of 25 cents a share on common stock, payable Sept. 10 to stockholders of record Aug. 9. Signal will pay a dividend of $1.03 per share on its 8.25% Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock on July 30 to stockholders of record on July 15.

The J.C. Schumacher Co., processors of raw materials for the semiconductor industry, announced international expansion plans and a new management alignment to support anticipated growth.

Fraser & Associates, a Carlsbad engineering firm, established a division to provide development engineering and processing assistance to builders and developers.

Western Natural Gas Co. purchased oil and gas lease interests from International Tours Inc. of Tulsa for 19.9 million shares of its common stock and 100 shares of its Class A preferred stock. Western valued the interests at $2 million.