Client: Leading Indian Pharmaceutical Manufacturer
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Sector: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Managing workforce layoffs during a manufacturing shutdown is a high-risk scenario emotionally, operationally, and reputationally. A renowned pharmaceutical company in Pune faced severe employee resistance while initiating the closure of one of its plants. With unions objecting to non-absorption, tensions escalated into threats of protests, damage, and possible violence.
MitKat Advisory was brought in to deliver a comprehensive Plant Closure Security plan focused on executive protection, risk mitigation, and maintaining control without disruption. The objective was to protect people, assets, and reputation quietly and effectively.
The Situation
As a pharmaceutical manufacturer prepared to shut down its Pune plant, strong resistance from employees and unions began escalating. Tensions built around layoff terms and job transfers.
The following risks were identified:
- Union Agitation: Demonstrations and blockades threatened access to premises.
- Threats to Executives: Senior HR staff faced targeted intimidation.
- Asset Risk: Potential damage to plant property or sensitive records.
- Emotional Escalation: One case involved a suicide threat from a distressed employee.
MitKat designed a tailored Plant Closure Security plan to manage people, process, and perception securely and sensitively.
MitKat’s Response
Close Protection & Surveillance
MitKat deployed discreet security for senior HR and operations heads, monitoring movement patterns and unrest indicators. The Plant Closure Security detail ensured swift readiness for evacuation if required.
Secure Movement
All travel involving senior executives between the plant, corporate offices, and hotels was covered under controlled escort with route security as part of our broader Plant Closure Security framework.
Resource Reinforcement
Additional guards were deployed to reinforce perimeters, especially near vulnerable access points. These teams were briefed under standard Plant Closure Security response protocols to manage any flashpoints.
Law Enforcement Coordination
MitKat liaised closely with local police officials to prevent escalation. Police presence was planned but kept minimal to avoid triggering unrest a common best practice in Plant Closure Security scenarios.
Emotional Support Intervention
A female protection agent and a certified counsellor were assigned to assist a distressed employee, allowing for humane handling without compromising the safety plan.
Result
- Plant closure and layoffs completed peacefully and without protest escalation
- Senior management received full protection and exited securely
- No threats, damage, or loss of physical or digital assets occurred
MitKat’s tailored Plant Closure Security strategy enabled the client to exit the facility cleanly, safely, and without media attention or legal challenges.
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MitKat Advisory is India’s leading enterprise risk management firm, offering customized Close Protection Services, travel risk intelligence, operational crisis response, and threat assessments.