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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
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                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
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        As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of our
reports dated October 6, 1998 included in Summa Industries' Form 10-K for the
year ended August 31, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.

                                                   /s/  ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

                                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Los Angeles, California
December 14, 1998