The Leinster Members Association of the IMI held its annual awards dinner yesterday evening at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin. The event recognises the outstanding achievements of students at various colleges and institutes of technology around the country training for roles in the automotive industry.

Awards sponsored by various companies involved in the motor industry were presented to outstanding students, with David O’Neill of IMI Leinster commenting on the exceptional standard of this year’s nominees.

Steve Nash, the CEO of IMI in the UK was also in attendance and he praised the level of professionalism in the Irish automotive industry and encouraged the growing emphasis on training and education. His words were endorsed by SIMI President Paul Linders who also stressed the vital importance of the motor industry to Ireland’s economy both as a major employer and the biggest single contributor to the Irish exchequer.

The evening also saw the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Richard Warbrick, the recently retired former Managing Director of Goodyear Dunlop for the outstanding contribution he has made to the industry.