The Lego Group world's largest toy company by revenue, with sales amounting to US$2.1 billion, surpassing Mattel, which had US$1.9 billion in sales. On 11 August 2017, Lego announced that Niels B. Christiansen would become the new CEO, effective 1 October of the same year. The history of Lego spans nearly 100 years, beginning with the creation of small wooden playthings during the early 20th century. Manufacturing of plastic Lego bricks began in Denmark in 1947, but since has grown to include factories throughout the world. In 1961, Lego was managed by Samsonite until 1972 in the United States and 1986 in Canada.
Lego gun Lego gun A Lego gun is a toy weapon which is made out of Lego elements. There are both working guns (that either shoot rubber bands or bricks), but also replicas that do not shoot and have more for detail. Lego's makers have a long-standing policy of not manufacturing realistic modern weaponry (although swords and medieval arms (see Lego Technic) are available), so hobbyists have sought to fill gaps in the market. Jack Streat has produced a number of rubber band guns, including a replica Lee–Enfield bolt-action sniper rifle. He has produced a book, "LEGO Heavy Weapons" (No Starch Press).