Greater Manchester company vows to never work with Israeli-owned firm after second attack

The casting foundry insists it does not manufacture goods for Israel

A company in Salford which suffered two 'attacks' by pro-Palestine protesters has promised to stop doing business with an Israeli firm.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage last month after protesters scaled the roof of Dean Group International which was daubed in paint and had its windows smashed. It came less than a year after protesters 'occupied' the building in Irlam.

Palestine Action, which was behind the 'attacks', has accused the Salford company of being a 'supplier to Israel's biggest arms maker'.

But after the incident last month, the casting foundry based in Brinell Drive insisted it does not manufacture any goods for Israel.

The company has now confirmed that it did fulfil a small order for Instro Precision, which is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, last year.

Elbit Systems UK is a subsidiary of Israeli firm Elbit Systems which describes itself as a 'leading global defense technology company'.

The Israeli parent company supplies weapons to the Israeli Defences Forces, while the UK subsidiary works with the British Army.

Dean Group claims it was told the 'minuscule' order it fulfilled for Instro Precision last year would not be used for military products.

However, in the hope of thwarting further 'attacks', the company has now vowed never to work with the Israeli-owned firm again.

Managing director Pulkit Ahuja said: "Dean Group International is a well-established foundry specialising in the manufacture of steel castings for a range of sectors, including medical, railway, energy and power, electrical, and general engineering.

"We do not manufacture or supply arms or ammunition as being portrayed by Palestine Action Group.

"We have never had any business relationship with Elbit Systems. In 2024, we fulfilled a small order for Instro Precision and have had no dealings with them since.

"In order to prevent further such attacks that could be detrimental to the business and put jobs at risk, we have taken the decision not to engage in any future business with Instro.

"As a small to medium-sized enterprise, these kinds of attacks have a considerable impact on our reputation and long-term sustainability. Our priority remains the integrity of our operations and the well-being of our employees."

A Palestine Action spokesperson said: "Another link in Elbit’s war machine has been smashed. Dean Group’s decision to walk away from Instro Precision - and to reject Elbit Systems entirely - proves that sustained direct action works.

"This is not just a symbolic win - it’s an operational blow to Elbit’s ability to produce the weapons used to massacre Palestinians."

Greater Manchester Police says a wider investigation into the incident at Dean Group International in Irlam on March 31 is still ongoing.

Elbit Systems UK and Instro Precision have been approached for comment.