Colt Holding Company LLC is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of firearms for military, law enforcement, and commercial markets. Founded in 1836, the company produces rifles, carbines, and handguns, including the M16 and M4 platforms used by military forces in over 80 countries. Headquartered in West Hartford, Connecticut, the company operates manufacturing facilities in West Hartford and Kitchener, Ontario. It is primarily owned by affiliates of Sciens Capital Management and employs approximately 800 people.