Time hasn’t dulled scientist Mario Blasco’s enthusiasm for protective coatings, several of which he has played a key role in developing over a 36-year career. As our Technical Manager, Mario leads a team of chemists responsible for new development, product support, maintenance and improvements.
He is passionate about tailoring products to withstand Australia's harsh conditions.
Tell us about your career at Dulux®.
I joined Dulux in 1987 after completing a Bachelor of Applied Sciences at the University of Melbourne. I started in the coil coatings laboratory, which focused on local development of coatings for Colorbond® Roofing. This is where I first learnt the importance of designing coatings for Australian conditions. I worked there until 1995, when I joined the Protective Coatings (PC) team as a senior chemist. I held several roles in the protective coatings and research and development labs before becoming Technical Manager.
What makes Dulux® Protective Coatings different from its competitors?
A unique attribute is that products released by Dulux Protective Coatings are either developed or evaluated locally, for use in the Australian environment. This is a valuable point of difference to competitors.
The Australian environment is particularly severe in terms of UV weathering. To keep projects looking good long term, developers of premium durability finishes need to understand they are working in markedly different conditions to Europe, the US and other parts of the world.
What do you love about your job?
I'm passionate about product development and innovation. As a manager, I also enjoy supporting my colleagues to develop and succeed in their careers. I'm proud of whatever input I've had in those achievements.
The people are a special bunch. In all my Dulux roles I've enjoyed interacting with and learning from staff in numerous departments, from marketing and operations to our commercial team and their customers.
What are you excited about at work right now?
We’re in the midst of a major shift in the protective coatings industry, which is exciting. Historically, protective performance has been the focus of the coatings we’ve developed. While that is still a core goal, we are also investing in transformational change in the sustainability of the products themselves without compromising on their functional performance.
The challenge is to strike the right balance. A sustainable product is not enough on its own. The end goal is holistic: coatings that offer the best protection and add further value through their own durability and sustainability.
How do you provide customers with tailored service?
Our proactive commercial team is highly attentive to end users. They observe projects and relay customers' needs, feedback and suggestions to our department, which helps us tailor coatings to specific project and asset protection requirements.
In your view, what is Dulux PC’s best product and why?
Dulux® Durebild® STE is a general-purpose coating developed in our Clayton lab in Victoria. It's an impressively adaptable and robust product. As well as being designed specifically for Australian environments, it is tolerant of a range of end uses, application conditions and applicator skill levels.
