NORTH SMITHFIELD – It’s been repeatedly named among Rhode Island’s best places to work, and has been one of North Smithfield’s largest taxpayers for decades.
But soon, National Marker Company will be permanently closing the doors of its headquarters at 100 Providence Pike.
First opened in 1934 in Pawtucket as a fire warning sign screen printer, the business expanded to a larger location in North Smithfield in 1999. Town resident Michael Black purchased the company in 2012, reportedly turning down a lucrative payout at the time in hopes to save jobs and continue growth.
Under Black’s leadership, the business, which has primarily produced workplace safety identification products, grew to employ around 100 workers, and was named as one of Rhode Island’s Best Places to Work by Providence Business News for four consecutive years. It was also recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2020 for Rhode Island & New England Small Business Manufacturer.
The business was also known for supporting many town charities, earning Black a citation from the North Smithfield Town Council in 2021.
Black sold the company that year to Illinois-based Justrite Safety Group, and it has since done business under the name Accuform NMC. This month, Accuform notified the state of plans to lay off 36 North Smithfield employees.
NRI NOW has learned the layoffs are part of a larger plan to close the town location. Staff confirmed on Tuesday, May 21 that all Rhode Island operations will be shutting down, with the larger company to continue operating in Florida.
A representation from Justrite Safety could not immediately be reached for comment.
According to the town’s 2023 tax database, the business’s property was assessed at $282,410, for an annual tax payment of more than $12,000. Real estate was assessed separately at $1,601,200 under the name 100 Providence Pike, LLC for a tax bill of $31,061.
Editor’s note: The above article has been edited to include the additional tax for real estate.
