It does not happen very often, but sometimes someone will become so well known in an industry that company rivalries are put to aside and that person gains the admiration of pretty much everyone within that sector. This is certainly the case with Austin Flavin, a man who has been in and around the refinish industry for some fifty years and today, although semi retired, still plays an important role in the development of paint distributor BDM Coatings.  

After spending time on the shop floor, Austin went to work for Sun Factors back in 1979, starting off as a paint mixer and van sales driver. He has since held various positions with refinish paint suppliers, developing great technical and training skills as well as outstanding colour matching expertise. More than most he has also witnessed first hand how the bodyshop business in Ireland has progressed over the years. 

Austin says, “When I started out in the trade things were very different. Spraybooths were an absolute rarity and so the chances are that a painter was spraying cellulose paint in an open shop.” Austin developed great affinity with one of the most popular brands of paint at the time, Ault & Wiborg, with cellulose Gipgloss being the main stay of the range. He later saw the introduction of the first two pack paints and clear over base systems. 

But as Austin recalls no matter what the technology there was always one important factor that was required to keep customers happy. He comments, “When you are supplying paint of any kind, good customer service is essential. When problems crop up in a paint shop you need to be able to provide solutions quickly to your customers and this is something that I have always done my very best to do.” 

Austin has been dealing with many bodyshops often for thirty or forty years with lots going on to be not only longstanding customers but also firm friends. He has also been responsible for training whole generations of Irish painters, passing on his knowledge and experience all over the country.  

With the acquisition of paint supplier Lakkerman by BDM Coatings in 2021, Austin has become a key part of the BDM team. The Irish owned company recently became an official agent for MIPA paints, somewhat appropriate as MIPA can trace its origins back to the old Ault & Wiborg company. Austin’s enthusiasm for innovative paint technology has stayed with him throughout his career and he has been very impressed by the MIPA products. He comments, “Paint technology has certainly come a long way in fifty years and the MIPA system is right at the cutting edge. It is exceptionally easy to use, produces perfect colours every time and it is also very cost effective.”

MIPA is just one of the leading brands that are now in the BDM portfolio, which not only caters for vehicle refinish, but also the commercial and industrial sectors. With BDM thriving in its role as one of Ireland’s expert paint suppliers, there is still plenty to keep Austin busy for many years to come.