Hasbro Leaves Rhode Island; Will Call Boston Seaport Home

The news was expected but still painful. Hasbro, the iconic Rhode Island game maker has chosen to relocate its operations to Boston.

The move to the 400 Summer Street location on the Boston Seaport District was made this afternoon. The move is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The company calls the move, “strategic” and one that will accelerate innovation, attract top talent and drive long term growth in the marketplace.

The move to Boston will mean 700 jobs created. "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," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're proud to welcome this iconic company to Team Massachusetts — where we are number one for education, health care and innovation. I’m grateful for the leadership of Chris Cocks and his team at Hasbro, and for the hard work of my economic development team that helped make this possible.”

Governor McKee has issued a statement:

“Today’s announcement does not impede Rhode Island’s growth or economic success. Make no mistake: we are continuing to build on our progress and deliver good jobs for Rhode Islanders.” He said, “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."

,R.I. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Val Lawson called the news “very disappointing.”

Hasbro – in a statement this afternoon says that despite the move the company’s ties to Rhode Island will remain strong. They have contributed over a million dollars to Rhode Island organizations

The company has called Rhode Island home for 164 years.

(Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)