Engineering firm secures Ukrainian defence deal

NORTH East defence firm Pearson Engineering has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Ukrainian company to support the country's war effort.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD Journal editor [e-mail]

The agreement with Ukrainska Bavovna will develop repair and maintenance service for systems already delivered to Ukraine and explore production of Pearson Engineering's equipment in Ukraine.

Pearson, which is based in Newcastle's historic Armstrong Works on Scotswood Road, said the programme would support Ukraine's war against Russia but also restore mined land for domestic and agricultural purposes.

The company has already supported Ukraine in recent years with specialist mine clearing equipment.

Pearson's Newcastle plant has been attacked a number of times in the last two years by pro-Palestinian activists after the company was taken over by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is controlled by the Israeli government.