18 January 2013 Last updated at 13:16 ET

FG Wilson manufacturing firm renamed as Caterpillar (NI)

The change is part of a larger initiative to enhance and strengthen the FG Wilson brand

One of Northern Ireland's most famous manufacturing companies - FG Wilson - is to be renamed as Caterpillar (Northern Ireland).

American company Caterpillar bought FG Wilson in 1999.

It said the change of name will "create a more visible link" between its manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland and the wider company.

Caterpillar Northern Ireland's Robert Kennedy said the move had been in the planning for some time.

"But whilst the legal name of the company will change, the FG Wilson name will remain a key part of our history and heritage and indeed our future," he said.

"That's because Caterpillar will continue to produce the range of leading products that carry the FG Wilson brand and those products will continue to be a key part of our global Electric Power strategy," Mr. Kennedy added.

Signage at Larne and Monkstown in County Antrim and at Springvale and Millennium Way in Belfast will change over the next few weeks.