PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — While Massachusetts officials confirmed last week they’re trying to lure Hasbro over the border, Gov. Gina Raimondo said she is confident the company will stay in Rhode Island.
Hasbro hasn’t given many clues into where the company’s new headquarters will be, but the Massachusetts Office of Business Development said Friday that it is seeking to begin talks with the toy maker.
“As I’ve said all along, that is something that is possible, every company had a choice where to be. I remain very confident that they’re gonna stay in Rhode Island,” Raimondo told reporters Monday.
The governor says she’s been talking with Hasbro officials on a regular basis.
“I stand by what I’ve said, they were founded here, they belong here, we’re going to keep them here,” Raimondo said.
In December, Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner sat down for an exclusive interview with Eyewitness News, saying a decision on a new headquarters could be expected by mid-2019.
“We all in our hearts love Rhode Island, but we also have a group of shareholders who invest in this company from all over the world and they want us to make the best possible decision,” Goldner said.
Raimondo also said that while she hopes the company stays in Pawtucket, her focus is on keeping Hasbro in Rhode Island.
“I think we have to be realistic, any company has choices but I’m confident they’re going to choose Rhode Island for their long term future,” she said.
