Funrise Inc. in Van Nuys has entered a multi-year licensing agreement with Caterpillar Inc. to manufacture and distribute a line of toys based on the company’s construction machines and vehicles. The line will include a wide range of models for indoor and outdoor use. Some machines will feature working motors, lights, sound effects and radio controls, while others will be freewheeling. Toys will be made of steel and safe for use by kids ages three and up. “Caterpillar is a widely recognized and trusted brand, and we are thrilled to create toys that bring the dynamic and larger-than-life construction world of Caterpillar to kids and families around the world,” said Randy Shoemaker, Funrise’s senior vice president of global brand marketing, in a statement. Caterpillar was one of the big licenses left looking for a home after the unexpected closure of remote-control toy company Toy State last year. Funrise also holds the licenses for Hasbro Inc.’s Tonka trucks, another line of steel toys modeled after construction vehicles and machinery, and HeroDrive, a line of vehicle toys from Warner Bros.’ DC Comics.
