Makarand Dandavate

Results-oriented Senior Manager – Compounding and Marketing Technical Services with over 30 years of expertise in rubber chemicals, tyre technology and customer-focused technical services. Proven success in providing application support, product trials and technical solutions to tyre and non-tyre industries in domestic and international markets. Adept at translating customer requirements into technical solutions, supporting sales with technical presentations, product performance evaluations and troubleshooting assistance.

Strong background in technical marketing, training, and collaboration with R&D to deliver innovative solutions, improve customer satisfaction and drive business growth.

PROJECT HEAD OF UL-19 LABORATORY at NEWAGE FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRIES PVT LTD (2025-04 – Present)

Direct overall planning, execution, and delivery of the UL-19 Laboratory project in compliance with UL, NFPA, and global fire protection standards.

• Lead cross-functional teams including engineering, quality, and operations to achieve project milestones within defined timelines and budgets.
• Manage end-to-end project lifecycle covering design, construction, installation, commissioning, and certification phases.
• Establish laboratory infrastructure, testing procedures, and quality protocols for fire protection equipment and systems.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and certification agencies to ensure compliance with regulatory and client requirements.

SENIOR MANAGER (COMPOUND AND LAB DIVISION) at PODDAR TYRES LTD (2023-10 – 2025)

Overseeing the Compound and Laboratory Division to ensure consistent product quality, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

• Leading formulation, development, and testing of rubber compounds for various tyre categories including cycle, automotive, and OTR tyres.
• Implementing laboratory testing protocols for raw materials, in-process compounds, and finished products to meet quality benchmarks.
• Coordinating with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to enhance compound performance and reduce defects.
• Managing laboratory operations including equipment calibration, testing procedures, and data analysis for process improvements.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER-TECHNICAL at ASIAN TIRE LTD (2022-05 – 2023-09)

Directed technical operations for development, testing, and production of off-highway tyres, ensuring compliance with international standards.

• Led cross-functional collaboration between R&D, production, and quality teams to improve tyre performance, durability, and safety.
• Oversaw compounding, material selection, and process optimization to achieve cost efficiency and enhanced product performance.
• Monitored laboratory and field testing of tyres under diverse conditions to validate design and compound formulations.
• Implemented quality assurance systems, audit procedures, and technical documentation to meet ISO and customer-specific standards.
• Supported new product introduction (NPI) by providing technical guidance, design validation, and testing protocols.

SENIOR MANAGER –MARKETING TECHNICAL SERVICES at NOCIL LTD. (2019-01 – 2022-04)

Provided technical marketing support to domestic and international clients for rubber chemicals, ensuring product suitability and performance in tyre and non-tyre applications.

• Acted as the key interface between customers and R&D/production teams for new product development, application testing, and troubleshooting.
• Conducted product trials, performance evaluations, and failure analysis at customer sites to ensure optimal chemical usage and compound compatibility.

MANAGER (TECHNICAL) at BALKRISHNA INDUSTRIES LTD (BKT) (2010-10 – 2018-11)

Compounding and mixing of rubber formulations of various tyre compounds

• Optimized process parameters to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Achieved cost reduction, higher productivity, and better quality.
• New vendors development of raw materials and conducted audits.
• Handled troubleshooting in mixing, extrusion, and calendaring operations.

SENIOR SCIENTIFIC RUBBER TECHNOLOGIST at INDIAN RUBBER MANUFACTURERS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (IRMRA) (1997-08 – 2010-09)

Led laboratory testing, analysis, and evaluation of rubber and polymer products for quality, durability, and compliance with Indian and international standards.

• Conducted compounding studies, material characterization, and performance testing for tyres and non-tyre rubber products.
• Executed research projects on rubber technology, polymer blends, and advanced testing methods in collaboration with industry partners.

TECHNICAL OFFICER at VAID ELASTOMER PROCESSOR PVT.LTD. (1994-04 – 1997-06)

Assisted in the development, compounding, and testing of elastomer formulations for automotive parts.

• Conducted physical and chemical testing of rubber compounds to ensure compliance with automotive standards.
• Supported new product development (NPD) and validation of components in collaboration with design and production teams.

JUNIOR TECHNICAL OFFICER at ATTUNED POLYMER PVT.LTD (1992-02 – 1994-03)

Conducted physical and chemical testing of polymer and rubber products in accordance with national and international standards.

• Performed calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.

TRAINEE - LABORATORY SUPERVISOR at NIRLON COMPANY LTD (1990-01 – 1992-01)

Worked in both physical and chemical laboratories for testing raw materials, in-process batches, and finished products.

• Coordinated with the process control unit to evaluate and release approved batches for production.
• Assisted in the development and standardization of testing methods for conveyor and V-belt applications.
• Monitored laboratory equipment performance and ensured accurate documentation of test results.
• Gained exposure to quality control procedures, material evaluation, and production support in an industrial rubber manufacturing setup.

PGDM in OPERATION MANAGEMENT – Welingkar Institute of Management (2023)

DIPLOMA in INDIAN RUBBER INSTITUTE (DIRI) – IIT, Kharagpur, India (2002)

BSC in CHEMISTRY – Mumbai University (1997)