Closing this financial year Argon has made a success out of a global mess. The past 12 months saw the global economy turned on its head, instability and uncertainty set in across industry. The smooth sailing until end of calendar year, was met with significant challenges entering 2009. With light emerging at the end of the Global Financial Crisis tunnel, Argon closed the year out in a profitable position, maintained a strong active growth and significantly enhanced our intellectual property investments.

Professional operation and reporting has seen Argon’s Enterprise Management Systems invested in and driven to the next level, including attainment of ISO 9001:2008 accreditation. Resourcing issues were felt this year with loss suffered as a result of employee related damages and write offs. The upside of the year is Argon's investment into skills and graduate development programs which have proven to be highly successful and offered Argon a tried and tested process for commercially skilling and growing tomorrows leading engineers.

The companies market presence, business and product lines have been grown with our investments in IP, robotics, mining and defence technologies, finding market acceptance and commercialisation ventures in spin off companies. New market targeted products were designed and there is no limit to the design innovation of future products, which are continually being generated. Geographic regions have been expanded with representatives now based on the East and West coasts of Australia. 

Resourcing and infrastructure was procured as required to see our in house capability balanced with our supply channels to match market requirement. Review of business practice and market requirements has and will be actively conducted in an on going fashion since such uncertainty has set in, to ensure capability matches demand.

Argon's professional integrity and commitment to upholding our Corporate Values have been controlled and guided this year with economic fallout occurring. Controlling our integrity and position of leadership, while ensuring our commercial focus on driving value and innovation, remains our key motivator as we emerge from this period.

Community involvement has been maintained through contributions to institutions and donations to charitable groups, both technical and social.

The year has really put a lot of companies to the test. This year Argon stayed in the black, although profits were downgraded, they were present. Argon as an organisation has not been free of troubles, the year has seen all the moles come out of the woodwork. Hits were suffered in business through client failures, delays in forward orders, supply chain fall out, directly and indirectly linked to the GFC. Argon has taken all possible action to see our position strengthened to the best possible state. With a strong and committed team, forward orders and strong opportunity books we welcome the challenge of 2009/2010. 

Through decisive action and proactive management Argon is working through the economic crisis, looking to the green commercialisation pastures on the other side. Argon has its battle scars and is boldly getting on with business looking at its strengthening position of growth as an Australian leading Robotics and Engineering company. 

Yours Sincerely, 

Paul A. Deuchar B.Eng Hons MIEAust AFAIM MAICD

Chief Executive Officer

Argon Technology Pty. Ltd.