There was ample opportunity for discussion during the break during the various sessions Click on pics to see bigger size!

Ciaran briefly looked over the past year, looking first at the economic outlook as predicted last May and compared it with the grim reality of 2008/9 Ireland. Indeed he compiled some figures the previous week which already out of date by the time this meeting had assembled.

So how had Mitsubishi Ireland fared? Well it appears. They managed to achieve 98% of their overall targets. Indeed on the European scene MEIR outshone their European equivalents during the fiscal year. In view of the grim outlook the targets for next year will inevitably be lower but achievable he believes.

The areas he sees growth in are Robotics and the developing of their Servo/Motion business - through education. They have some very interesting products and developments in these areas which are relevant to the times.

David Gilligan gave a very interesting presentation on the competition. This was realistic presentation which did not shrink from pointing out certain advantages that the oppositions' products and organisations had but nor was he slow to point out the considerable strengths of Mitsubishi Electric Ireland!

There then followed an in depth presentation on the new FX3G - their latest compact PLC. This presentation was by Harold Voigt. Designed specially for the needs smaller mechanical and plant engineering automation applications, the FX3G is fast, reliable and economical and allows flexible configuration with expansion, special function and network modules. Like all the controllers of Mitsubishi's current third generation series, the latest compact PLC features advanced new technologies, including a second system bus, and is also fully compatible with their existing MELSEC FX series.

Morgan Rusc then took us through the Qn Series line-up - modular plc concept which allows allows users to configure systems into what they need, when they need it, where they need it. He pointed out the communications possibilities with this system, Ethernet, etc. And Harald brought us through some features of the software.

In this section Morgan alluded to the My Mitsubishi website which has invaluable information not only on their own products but of general information. Users have to register for the MyMitsubishi service and get premium access to special content on the website. As a registered MyMitsubishi user CAD files, certificates, drawings and photos in print quality for many products may be downloaded.

Altogether this was an optimistic affair with an emphasis on the informal sharing of knowledge and an understanding of the challenges that lie ahead in the coming twelve months.

Then it was off for a game of golf on the challenging Paul McGinley course.

And so to Golf....

Frank McGinty from Industrial Solutions received First Prize in the Golf Competition. Macreddin Golf Club is a par 72 golf course measuring 7173 yards from the back tees. The front nine sweeps eastward from the clubhouse. Mature tree-lined fairways synonymous to Macreddin Golf Club are evident from the opening holes. Panoramic views throughout the valley combined with meandering fairways between gentle slopes and natural contours of the terrain, epitomise the style and splendour of the first nine holes. Moving across the valley the back nine uses all of Macreddin's natural elements, including statuesque pines, well protected greens and elevated landing areas. The free flowing brook weaves its way through the back nine ensuring that decision making is an essential tool each golfer must carry! Following a hard-fought competition the golfers retreated to the ninteenth hole for some well earned rest and resusitation!

Aidan McDonnell from Drives & Controls won the Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Automation Division 'Distributor of the Year Award for 2008'