Getting in the game: Massachusetts makes pitch for Hasbro HQ

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — Massachusetts economic development officials are jumping into the effort to get Hasbro to build its new headquarters in the Bay State. But there is no reason to believe they have even had discussions with the Pawtucket-based company.

A spokesperson tells NBC 10 “The Massachusetts Office of Business Development is working to establish a dialogue with the company, as it regularly does with businesses both in and outside the Commonwealth that may benefit from learning more about the many opportunities to grow in Massachusetts.”

Hasbro’s response is “We are still in the process of evaluating several options for contemporizing our corporate headquarters, including finding a new corporate campus in the vicinity of our current headquarters. We are committed to delivering a fully-updated, connected and flexible workspace for all of our employees, and want to find the right solution that will ultimately create the best corporate headquarters for Hasbro into the future.”

Hasbro is a homegrown company with 1500 employees. It has made known for years that it wants to move. It has been shown parcels in Pawtucket where it would have room to build. Several parcels in downtown Providence have been mentioned as possible sites, one just across the street from offices currently housing Hasbro employees.

Rhode island is working hard to keep the company. Raimondo press secretary Josh Block, sent NBC 10 a statement Friday saying “Governor Raimondo remains committed to ensuring they grow and thrive in our state. The Governor will continue working with the company and with local and legislative leaders to keep Hasbro’s jobs in Rhode Island.”

Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor also put out a statement to NBC 10.

“Hasbro is an important and valued Rhode Island company, and it is a top priority to ensure they stay in Rhode Island. We remain in continuous conversation with the company and, as with any Rhode Island business, are ready to assist in any way we can,” said Pryor.

The conversations continue, and Hasbro has made no timetable public.