DUBLIN, Ohio – The Wendy’s Company plans to consolidate its World headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, plus it will close its Atlanta Restaurant Support Center operations in late 2012 and move at least 170 positions to Ohio. Wendy’s has operated restaurant support centers in both Dublin and Atlanta for the past three years.

“While this was a difficult decision considering the excellent employees we have in Atlanta, I believe it is important to bring our entire restaurant support center together in one location,” said Emil Brolick, president and chief executive officer. “This action will help us strengthen collaboration and teamwork as we grow our iconic brand.”

Wendy’s announced the move of its corporate headquarters and about 50 positions from Atlanta to Dublin in August. It also announced it was investing more than $11 million to extensively renovate its facilities in Dublin. The City of Dublin and the State of Ohio provided long-term incentives to support the move.

Most recently, the State of Ohio offered expanded incentives to bring 170 more jobs to Dublin, which was a major factor in the company’s decision to consolidate in Ohio.

Both the headquarters move and the consolidation will result in about 220 new jobs at the Dublin Restaurant Support Center. Wendy’s now plans to invest more capital to expand its corporate offices and meeting space in Dublin to accommodate positions currently based in Atlanta.

Wendy’s said most Atlanta-based employees will be offered an opportunity to move to Central Ohio. Atlanta-based employees will receive retention bonuses to help facilitate the company’s transition to Dublin. Those not relocating will receive enhanced severance packages, outplacement counseling services and other benefits, the company said.

Wendy’s will continue to operate its South Region Office in Alpharetta, a suburb of Atlanta, and it operate 296 restaurants in Georgia.

The Wendy’s Company is the world’s third largest quick-service hamburger company. It operates more than 6,500 franchise and restaurants in the US and 25 other countries and US territories worldwide.