Chennai, Sep 22 - Roy George, vice president (human resource) in the Coimbatore-based Pricol Ltd, died here Tuesday, a day after being attacked by company workers.

The Rs.633 crore turnover Pricol is a leading auto component manufacturer. Police have arrested nine workers for his death.

Pricol was afflicted by labour problems for some time. The issue came to a boil Monday when the company dismissed around 35 workers in one of its factories near Coimbatore.

Enraged by the news, a group of workers went on the rampage at the company's Plant I at Perianaickenpalayam, damaging computers, glass panels and other furniture.

Officials who tried to intervene were attacked, and George was hit on the head. George, 46, was admitted to hospital with serious injuries. He succumbed to his injuries today.

According to officials, the company does not have any immediate plans to close down the plant.