The chairperson of Bisalloy Steel, an Australian manufacturer of armoured steel, is defending the company's trade relations with Israel amid ongoing protests at its Wollongong facility. Bisalloy Steel is the only Australian producer of quenched and tempered steel plates suitable for armor applications. The company has previously held contracts with Israeli firms, including Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Plasan Re'em, but has not disclosed the current status of these partnerships.

Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, the Bisalloy plant in Unanderra has faced significant protest activity. At least nine picket lines have blocked access to the site at various times throughout 2023. During this week's annual general meeting, chairperson David Balkin addressed the protests, stating, "Our business continues to be targeted by protesters who want to stop Australian trade with Israel and who seek to end our 20-plus-year business relationship with several leading Israeli companies." He emphasized that the steel plates supplied to these companies are sold under licenses approved by the Australian government and that the quantities provided are not sufficient to manufacture heavy weapons.

Chief executive Rowan Melrose also spoke at the meeting, noting that dealings with Israeli companies accounted for a maximum of 1.9 percent of the company's profits last year. He criticized the protesters, stating, "At times, crowds have exceeded 100 people, been very disruptive to both Bisalloy and other local businesses, and they have caused property damage." In response to the protests, Bisalloy has enhanced its security measures, including additional lighting and cameras, and has collaborated with local police to mitigate disruptions.

A Bisalloy spokesperson confirmed that some incidents of property damage have been reported to New South Wales Police.

Protest organizers, including the local group Wollongong Friends of Palestine, have expressed their concerns about Bisalloy's role in supplying steel to Israeli defense companies. Member Jet Hunt clarified, "We know Bisalloy provide armoured steel to multiple Israeli companies." She added that the company's compliance with Australian and international law does not alleviate their concerns. Hunt dismissed the company's worries about shareholder safety and business disruptions, stating, "How outrageous that there's such concern for some minor traffic disruptions or whatever, considering the bloody business that Bisalloy is involved in."

The protests come in the wake of a UN report alleging that Israel has committed genocide in Palestine, which has drawn condemnation from the Israeli government. Bisalloy has declined to provide further comments or interviews regarding the situation.