Honeywell International’s recent takeover of First Technology is bringing new technical jobs to Standish and making a local sensor-production plant the corporate giant’s first manufacturing operation in Maine.

At the plant formerly owned by First Technology on Route 35 in Standish, new Honeywell banners hang over the old First Technology signs, though no plans for expansion or changes to plant operations have been announced.

“Basically, the operation is continuing to run as it was,” said Julie Franklin, spokesperson for Honeywell. “But we are working to improve (the technology) as we grow our business.”

The Standish plant produces automotive sensors that detect safety malfunctions and road conditions like twilight and fog. For instance, one sensor manufactured at the plant makes automobiles safer by “switching off the fuel pump when you get into a car crash,” Franklin said.

Town Manager Gordon Billington is reassured to hear Honeywell will be hiring more employees at the plant and making its new home in Standish.

“It seems all positive for Standish,” Billington said. “There was some anxiety about what was going to happen when we found out (First Technology) was for sale. I look forward to talking with Honeywell about it.”

On March 24, Honeywell purchased First Technology for $500 million.

First Technology, a corporation based out of Egham, England, is best known for their production of crash-test dummies.

Last month, Honeywell sold this “safety and analysis” business to HgCapital, another European company, and is now integrating First Technology’s production of gas sensors and automotive products into their existing businesses.

David Cote, Honeywell Chairman and CEO, issued this statement at the time of the First Technology purchase.

“First Technology is a great fit with Honeywell,” he said in a press release. “This acquisition strengthens Honeywell’s presence in the fast-growing gas detection segment, which we entered last year when we acquired Zellweger Analytics. Our newly formed Honeywell Analytics business now includes a broader array of gas sensing and detection solutions for customers in this high-growth industry.”

The acquisition of First Technology by the corporate heavyweight makes Standish the first town in Maine to host a Honeywell manufacturing plant.

Honeywell is a world leader in diversified technology and manufacturing. Based out of Morris Township in New Jersey, the $28 billion corporation specializes in automotive, aviation and aerospace products as well as home security technologies.

Currently, the Standish plant employs 220 people, and Honeywell is looking to hire 16 new production workers.

Manpower employment agency is accepting applications for these new technical jobs. Those interested should register online through www.us.manpower.com/maine or visit Manpower’s regional office in Portland.

This Standish manufacturing plant is now owned by Honeywell International who recently bought out First Technology for half a billion dollars. Honeywell says no changes will be made to the plant’s operation at this time. However the plant is hiring for new technical positions.