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Wendy’s bringing 170 more jobs to Dublin; closing Atlanta office
by Dan Eaton, Staff reporter
Thursday, December 1, 2011 

Wendy’s Co. is adding 170 jobs in Dublin next year after officially deciding to shutter its office presence in Atlanta. 

The Dublin-based fast food chain previously announced plans to move 50 positions back to Central Ohio after the sale of the Arby’s brand, but Thursday said the remainder of its old headquarters is moving too, by the end of 2012. 

The two chains had shared a headquarters in Atlanta since Triarc Companies Inc. acquired Wendy’s in 2008. Once that relationship was severed, Wendy’s brought its base back to its long-time home in Dublin. Wendy’s CEO Emil Brolick said in a release that it was important to bring the entire restaurant support operation under one roof. 

The chain previously said it planned to leave those jobs — in areas such as information technology, accounting and payroll — in Atlanta. But Gov. John Kasich wasn’t buying that plan. He called the additional employment back in August when the initial move and incentives were announced. 

Wendy’s said it will offer Atlanta employees the opportunity to relocate to Central Ohio. The employees will get retention bonuses if they move. Those who don’t will get enhanced severance packages, outplacement counseling services and other benefits. 

Wendy’s spokesman Bob Bertini said in an email the state will revise the Jobs Creation Tax Credit announced in August. The new estimated value is $10 million, up from $4 million before. The company did not seek additional incentives from Dublin, which committed $8 million to the job relocation and expansion of the headquarters. 

Wendy’s (NYSE:WEN) originally said it would invest $11 million in its Dublin expansion and renovation, but will increase that figure. The company said additional investment is expected now that another 170 jobs are moving. Employment will exceed 600 at the site after the move. 

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