Management at Dell Computers, which employs 4,500 people in Limerick, have overcome the logistical nightmare of providing Christmas parties and hampers for employees.
On Wednesday, 5,000 hampers were handed out over 24 hours. The operation began at 8 a.m. and continued until 4 a.m. the next day.
Dell has been in Limerick for nine years and the number of its employees peaked at 4,500 in October, providing £50 million in wages and salaries annually.
The hampers cost more than £30 each, adding up to a bill of £150,000, the biggest order in the region for packaged Christmas fare.
"It took three weeks for the local supplier to pack, prepare and deliver the order," Mr Pat Casey, human resources manager, said.
Organising the staff Christmas party is also an exercise in logistics. On "Dell Weekend" the radio presenter, Mr Gerry Ryan hosted two events where 1,500 assembled at a time in a marquee at the South Court Hotel.
A Christmas party for 2,500 children followed. Four Santas took on the job of dealing with their Christmas wishes.