Major Company Announces Plans To Move Corporate Office To Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Stationery and lighter company Bic announced this week plans to move its U.S. corporate office from Shelton to a new location in Norwalk.

According to an announcement sent to Patch, the company plans to relocate the corporate office from 1 Bic Way in Shelton to 501 Merritt 7 in Norwalk, where the company will lease 32,000 square feet.

The new Norwalk location will serve as its North American headquarters starting in the second quarter of 2027, according to the announcement.

The company noted approximately 220 full-time positions will be based in Norwalk, including marketing, sales, commercial strategy, finance, human resources, supply chain, communications, legal, procurement and technology teams.

The announcement and a Bic spokesperson both emphasized the relocation will only apply to the company's North America corporate office and will not affect its lighter manufacturing plant in Milford.

Mayor Barbara Smyth said Friday the city was excited to welcome Bic to Norwalk.

"When a company as globally recognized as Bic chooses Norwalk, it sends a strong signal to other businesses, both big and small, that Norwalk is a place to grow and succeed," Smyth said in an emailed statement. "Bic products are used by people around the world, and their decision to join our community reflects the growth and progress of our city."

Greater Norwalk Chamber President Shannon O'Toole Giandurco also expressed excitement about the company's move to the city.

"Having another major company choose Norwalk for its headquarters speaks to the strength of our city, our local economy and the opportunities Norwalk offers businesses of all sizes," O'Toole Giandurco said in an email Friday. "It's also great news for our local restaurants, shops and businesses that will benefit from having more people working in the city. We look forward to welcoming Bic and helping them connect with the Norwalk community."

The company is currently evaluating options for the Shelton property and "will determine the appropriate path forward as the relocation progresses," the announcement notes.

Sheila O'Malley, president of the Shelton Economic Development Corporation, said in an email Friday she was waiting to hear more about the company's plans but noted the city and the SEDC receive multiple requests for commercial and office space from tenants of all sizes.

O'Malley said if the company ultimately decided to sell or lease the Shelton property, "there will always be commercial and or light industrial tenants to take its place."

She also noted Shelton attracts the interest of many companies.

"Short of retaining some of the BIC employees here in Shelton, I would naturally like to see more commercial/light industrial space in its place," O'Malley said. "I'm sure Bic will remain in close contact with Mayor [Mark] Lauretti as they determine the best course of action for their company."

The announcement also notes the relocation of Bic's corporate office reflects the evolving needs of the company and its team members as a global business.

"With a presence in Connecticut dating back to 1958, the company is pleased to remain in the area and to continue contributing to the broader region," the announcement reads.

In addition to stationery items such as pens, markers and mechanical pencils, Bic is also known for products such as lighters, shavers and brushes.

The Bic website describes the Shelton headquarters as "a campus environment with outdoor paths. Near the NYC metro area, it offers a perfect blend of suburban living and seamless city access."

The company's global headquarters is located in Clichy, France, according to the website.