UPDATED: Hasbro Leaving RI for Boston
GoLocalProv News Team
UPDATED: Hasbro Leaving RI for Boston
The announcement is a blow to Rhode Island’s economy and to public officials like Governor Dan McKee and Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien.
"Boston's thriving business community, deep academic partnerships and cultural vibrancy, together with our Seattle team's leadership in technology, creativity, and innovation, give Hasbro an unparalleled foundation for growth," said CEO Chris Cocks.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe new Boston location will serve as the primary headquarters for Hasbro's toys, board games, and licensing businesses, along with most corporate services. The company said the move supports its "Playing to Win" strategy focused on play-driven engagement and partnerships.
Governor Maura Healey said, “We are thrilled that Hasbro has chosen Massachusetts as the home of its new headquarters, and we’re ready to support the hundreds of jobs they will create here. We’re proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts — where we are number one for education, health care and innovation.”
The 400 Summer Street facility, developed and owned by WS Development, will house teams that power some of the world’s most iconic brands, occupying seven floors across 265,000 square feet.
The new space will be home to at least 700 full-time employees expected to transition from Rhode Island to Boston by the end of 2026.
Hasbro said, "With locations anchoring the East and West Coasts of the U.S., Hasbro is reinforcing its position as a global company with a footprint to match. Beyond Boston and Renton, Hasbro operates campuses and manufacturing sites across the broader U.S., as well as major offices in Hong Kong, London, Mexico City, and Montreal. Each plays a critical role in the company’s creative pipeline, digital innovation, and operations. These locations strengthen Hasbro’s ability to deliver world-class brands and experiences to fans and families around the globe."
“I’m delighted to welcome Hasbro to its new home in Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The creativity and wonder at the heart of Hasbro’s work are also at the heart of our mission to make Boston a home for everyone—the safest major city in the country and the best place to raise a family, with opportunities for all to Connect(4) and Play(-Doh). We look forward to supporting Hasbro’s transition to Boston and partnership with the city.”
RI Reaction
Governor Dan McKee said about Hasbro leaving Rhode Island after 100 years, “Hasbro has made positive contributions in business and philanthropy in our state, and we thank them for that. We maintain that Rhode Island is the best place for Hasbro to call home, and many more companies agree with that sentiment."
Rhode Island House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale said, “Once again, Rhode Island is left watching a major legacy company leave our state despite costly efforts to lure and retain businesses with taxpayer-funded incentive packages. This cycle repeats itself because our leaders fail to focus on improving our dismal, bottom-ranking business climate. Instead, we continue to try to compete in niche sector arenas where we cannot win against our larger neighbors, like Massachusetts."
"It is time that Rhode Island accepts the reality of our geography. Our strength is on the water. With a world-class deep-water port at Quonset, our naval heritage, and a growing defense and shipbuilding sector, we have assets that cannot be replicated elsewhere in New England. We should focus our strategy and investment on strengthening Rhode Island’s role in maritime commerce, naval research, and defense manufacturing. That is how we create lasting jobs, expand our tax base, and build an economy that plays to our strengths,” Chippendale added.