Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today welcomed to Rhode Island the approximately 70 employees that Hasbro, Inc. will soon be moving to the Ocean State.
“Hasbro is a terrific homegrown Rhode Island success story,” Governor Chafee said. “I had the pleasure of touring Hasbro’s global headquarters in Pawtucket several weeks ago and meeting with the CEO, Brian Goldner, and his leadership team.”
“I am very pleased to welcome these valuable employees to Rhode Island,” Governor Chafee continued. “We are glad to have you here in our great state. Hasbro is one of the world’s premier toy and entertainment companies, and Rhode Island continues to benefit from its innovative research and development and excellent corporate citizenship. I will continue to work closely with Hasbro executives and employees to ensure that our partnership is beneficial for both Hasbro and the people of Rhode Island.”
The Pawtucket-based company announced the relocation of the approximately 70 Massachusetts employees as part of a larger reorganization of its games business. Hasbro is in the process of creating a “Center for Excellence” for Hasbro Games.
In April, Governor Chafee, in his capacity as Chair of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) Board, secured approval of “Project Status” for Hasbro, to expedite the company’s expansion of Rhode Island operations and create an additional 284 quality jobs in the State. The RIEDC Board of Directors voted unanimously at its April meeting to approve Hasbro for the program that makes the company eligible for a sales tax exemption on building materials and equipment in return for the income tax revenue generated by the 284 jobs as part of the company’s $24-million planned expansion in Providence. In making the announcement, Governor Chafee expressed his support for the approval as a good investment for the State of Rhode Island.
Hasbro currently employs approximately 1,400 people in Rhode Island.