CRANBERRY TWP — Mine Safety Appliances this morning announced the company will buy a California-based company for $280 million that makes advanced flame and gas detection systems.

General Monitors, headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., employs about 225 people globally and has annual revenues of about $80 million.

It will continue to operate from its California headquarters.

MSA officials said they believe the acquisition will significantly strengthen MSA's market position in one of the most attractive segments of the safety industry.

It also enhances MSA's line of fixed gas-detection products in the estimated $850 million market.