PITTSFIELD -- The local General Electric Security plant shouldn't be affected in the short term by a conglomerate's agreement to buy GE's electronic security systems and fire safety operations for $1.82 billion, according to GE Security spokeswoman Michelle May.

May said Wednesday that United Technologies Corp.'s acquisition of the company is expected sometime in mid-2010, pending regulatory approvals.

"From what they told us, they're looking forward to continued engagement of our employees to drive the business," May said of United Technologies. "It's a combination of the two businesses. We're excited about it; it's a good alignment with a security business and a great outcome."

As they work toward finishing the deal, both companies also are "pulling together integration teams" for the transition, and one of those teams will look specifically at GE Security's manufacturing operations and, as a result, the jobs at each facility.

GE Security's headquarters is in Bradenton, Fla., and the business has eight manufacturing facilities with about 4,700 employees in 26 countries.

Asked whether the acquisition could affect staffing at the Pittsfield plant, May said that would depend on the team reviews. About 80 workers were laid off from the Pittsfield plant earlier this year, leaving about 300 there now.

"We have a great operation there in Pittsfield," May said.

John Moran, spokesman for United Technologies, declined to comment on potential effects on the Pittsfield facility.

"It's too early to speculate on anything like that," Moran said. "We're focused on completing the acquisition."

The purchase agreement, announced late last week after the boards of both companies gave the OK, means that United Technologies would acquire GE's security technologies for commercial and residential use, which include fire-detection and life-safety systems, intrusion alarms and video surveillance and access control systems.

United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., provides technology products and services to the global building and aerospace industries.

"This acquisition enhances UTC Fire & Security's status as a leading franchise in the $100 billion global fire safety and electronic security industry," Louis Chênevert, president and chief executive officer of United Technologies, said in a statement. "It strengthens our North America footprint, extends our capabilities and complements our existing fire and security businesses."

Dean Seavers, president and CEO of GE Security, said in a statement that the purchase signals growth in the security industry.

"Customers will see increased breadth and depth of product offerings, as well as a global reach that serves a range of industry segments," Seavers said.

May said the acquisition also will involve a "branding transition," in which GE Security product brand names will remain the same for an extended period of time, though on a case-by-case basis.

The acquisition is the latest of several changes in ownership at the Pittsfield manufacturing facility alongside the Sebasticook River, which opened in 1956. General Electric Co. acquired the operation in 2005 when it purchased SPX Corp., owner of Edwards Systems Technology, for nearly $1.4 billion. SPX had purchased the operation six years before that.

Noting the various sales of the manufacturing plant over time, Pittsfield Town Manager Kathryn Ruth said it's common during each change for employees to be concerned about layoffs.

However, "the company will have acquired a very healthy division," Ruth said. "It's always been a facility that has not only been a high producer but also had a high quality of work. It's definitely an economic engine for the community."

There's been at least one public indication that the Pittsfield facility will be in good standing under the purchase.

At a recent investors conference, United Technologies' president for commercial companies, Ari Bousbib, said the Pittsfield operation "gives us products and technologies that we lack," according to the Hartford (Conn.) Courant.

Scott Monroe -- 861-9253

smonroe@centralmaine.com