The company also confirmed that some Johnston employees will relocate to offices in Boston, West Glocester and Norwood, Massachusetts, rather than to the new Providence headquarters at 10 Memorial Boulevard. The transition is expected to begin after renovations are completed in late 2027.

The announcement earlier this week caught Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. off guard. "I had asked them in the past if there was any intent to leave, they said no," Polisena said. "I have specific messages to that effect, that it was an expansion and not a relocation. It really blindsided me and it blindsided the town."

Polisena said he has heard directly from workers who received layoff notices. "I had somebody come in here and they said to me they're a worker for FM Global, and they received a layoff notice this morning," he said. "This person told me that a few other people that they worked with also received layoff notices."

FM Global confirmed Friday that it expects a limited number of roles to be eliminated because of the headquarters move. "This week we informed some colleagues whose roles specifically support our Johnston building that the move could impact their positions," said Brian Amaral, the company's strategic communications lead.

Amaral framed the relocation as part of a broader regional strategy. "The transition of our global headquarters from Johnston to Providence reflects our longstanding commitment to Rhode Island, our home for nearly 200 years, and is part of our regional strategy to deploy our capabilities across our Rhode Island and Massachusetts locations to better serve our clients and partners," he said. "Rhode Island has always been our home, and establishing our global headquarters in Downtown Providence ensures the state remains central to FM's future."

The move comes months after FM Global purchased the Providence property, formerly owned by IGT. The company plans to occupy a portion of the 10-story building and retain its existing tenants.

Johnston Town Council members expressed disappointment with the decision and said they will work to keep the 93-acre campus occupied after employees relocate. "FM still owns the 93-acre Johnston campus, and I hope we can work cooperatively with the company on its future plans while protecting Johnston's jobs, economic interests and tax base," said Councilman Al Carnevale.

Councilwoman Lauren Garzone, who represents District 2 where FM Global is located, recalled numerous late-evening meetings to approve plans and renderings during the site's construction. "I am particularly disappointed that local government officials were not notified of the decision," Garzone said. "I feel the lack of information does not provide the transparency we the residents of Johnston deserve."

Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Office of Economic Development toured FM Global's new science and technology center in Norwood. The office noted on social media that 96 new employees had been hired there this year, with more hiring expected in 2027.

Amaral said FM Global will communicate directly with employees as plans progress and reiterated the company's commitment to Rhode Island.