Effective communication of a production suspension decision
Industry:
Chemical industry / manufacturing
- Corporate Communications, Crisis Communications and Issues Management, Digital and Social Dialogue
Background and context
A production facility of a chemical group in Romania was forced to halt operations due to a drastic increase in the price of a key raw material and limited supplier availability. The decision affected the Group’s financial performance and the local community, generating exceptionally high reputational risk simultaneously in three countries.
Key circumstances
- The facility accounted for a significant share of the Group’s production and revenues.
- Locally, it was one of the largest employers in the region.
- Media in Poland, Romania and Germany expected immediate explanations.
- There was a high risk of employee protests and political pressure.
Communication objectives
The objective was to maintain full control over the narrative, minimise escalation risk and protect the Group’s credibility across all markets.
- Consistent communication in three countries: PL–RO–DE.
- Limiting social tensions and protests.
- Protecting the Group’s credibility among investors.
- Minimising speculation and the risk of a media crisis.
- Providing transparent explanations of facts to internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic approach
Noise PR consultants took the communication initiative on the day the current report was published, coordinating messaging across all countries and stakeholder groups.
Key elements of the approach:
- Clear, precisely prepared messages tailored to each stakeholder group.
- Proactive information release ahead of media coverage – setting the narrative.
- Intensive direct communication in Romania: meetings with employees and trade unions.
- Media briefings and information materials: Q&A, factsheets and official statements.
- Capital market communications: report, presentations and one-to-one meetings.
- Alignment of language, timing and messaging across PL–RO–DE.
- Three-phase process: preparation, “Day N”, and reactive measures.
Results
The communication strategy delivered measurable outcomes, including:
- Market stabilisation: no share price decline despite the difficult situation.
- Consistent media narrative aligned with company messaging.
- Social stability in Romania – no protests or escalation.
- High communication credibility of the Group across all countries.
- Reduced speculation through full transparency of actions.
Conclusions and strategic significance:
- Coordinated cross-border communication significantly reduces reputational risk.
- In socially sensitive situations, direct communication – especially with employees – is critical.
- Setting your own narrative limits media influence over crisis development.
- Transparency and rapid response strengthen trust among investors and partners.
Selected Projects Demonstrating Our Impact
Explore other projects where our strategic approach and precise execution delivered measurable results – building stakeholder trust, strengthening narratives and ensuring information stability.
- Brand Reputation, Crisis Communications and Issues Management, Strategic Advisory
Reputation under pressure: an effective strategy in crisis
Challenges
- Increased media scrutiny of the company’s Polish operations due to a Russian minority shareholder.
- High public sensitivity related to the war in Ukraine.
- Risk of losing credibility and potential inclusion on sanctions lists.
- Need for rapid, consistent communication with employees, partners, public administration and the media.
Wyzwania
- Increased media scrutiny of the company’s Polish operations due to a Russian minority shareholder.
- High public sensitivity related to the war in Ukraine.
- Risk of losing credibility and potential inclusion on sanctions lists.
- Need for rapid, consistent communication with employees, partners, public administration and the media.
Rezultat
Thanks to the immediate activation of crisis response measures, the company preserved its reputation and was not subject to sanctions. Media narratives stabilised, and journalists acknowledged the company’s communication. Relationships with key partners remained stable. The company was perceived as one of the most engaged organisations supporting Ukraine. The crisis was transformed into brand reinforcement through transparency, relief initiatives and employee engagement.
The result
Thanks to the immediate activation of crisis response measures, the company preserved its reputation and was not subject to sanctions. Media narratives stabilised, and journalists acknowledged the company’s communication. Relationships with key partners remained stable. The company was perceived as one of the most engaged organisations supporting Ukraine. The crisis was transformed into brand reinforcement through transparency, relief initiatives and employee engagement.
- Brand Reputation, Crisis Communications and Issues Management, Strategic Advisory
Litigation PR for Company “A” vs. UOKiK
Challenges
- UOKiK proceedings involving the risk of maximum penalties and allegations against the management board.
- The need to rapidly reframe communication towards the courts and public opinion.
- High media interest and pressure to maintain the company’s credibility.
- Protection of reputation in a regulated and socially sensitive energy sector.
Wyzwania
- UOKiK proceedings involving the risk of maximum penalties and allegations against the management board.
- The need to rapidly reframe communication towards the courts and public opinion.
- High media interest and pressure to maintain the company’s credibility.
- Protection of reputation in a regulated and socially sensitive energy sector.
Rezultat
The company’s arguments were reflected in 70% of media coverage, shifting the tone of the media narrative. Expert voices appeared in the public debate, reinforcing the company’s position. Critical commentary redirected attention towards UOKiK’s actions, weakening its message. The company maintained stakeholder trust through consistent communication, and the legal proceedings were largely concluded.
The result
The company’s arguments were reflected in 70% of media coverage, shifting the tone of the media narrative. Expert voices appeared in the public debate, reinforcing the company’s position. Critical commentary redirected attention towards UOKiK’s actions, weakening its message. The company maintained stakeholder trust through consistent communication, and the legal proceedings were largely concluded.
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