People &
Places
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Aaron Nix
Dawson Carroll
Steve Kirgan
Michael Nugent
Dallas McLaughlinCurbell Plastics, Inc. welcomes four new managers and promotes a senior leader
Aaron Nix has joined Curbell Plastics, Inc. as business manager for the Cleveland, OH, USA location where he leads the local sales and service teams. Nix brings deep experience in plastics distribution, fabricated parts manufacturing and adding value for his customers. His strong technical background and customer-first mindset make him a valuable resource for customers throughout Ohio and Indiana.
Dawson Carroll recently stepped into the role of business manager for Curbell’s Houston, TX, USA location where he leads the Houston sales and service teams. With a solid track record in plastics distribution and a talent for identifying material solutions that streamline operations, Carroll is focused on strengthening customer relationships and improving service delivery. His leadership will support the continued growth and success of the Houston team.
Steve Kirgan has joined Curbell Plastics, Inc. as regional sales manager focusing on fabricated parts, supporting customers in Arlington, TX; Denver, CO; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; and Phoenix, AZ. Kirgan’s unique blend of experience in both plastics distribution and custom manufacturing equips him to identify and grow fabricated part opportunities across a variety of industries. Kirgan previously spent six years with Curbell Plastics, Inc. and returns after more than a decade with a leading plastic manufacturing firm.
Michael Nugent has joined Curbell Plastics, Inc. as regional sales manager for Western and Central New York, covering the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse regions. With over 30 years in manufacturing, distribution and technical sales, Mike brings a broad background that includes a decade at Curbell Plastics, Inc., a role at a custom injection molding resin company and ownership of his own manufacturing business. This diverse experience has given him deep insight into plastic materials and fabrication processes.
Dallas McLaughlin has been promoted to senior regional director, recognizing his long-standing leadership and commitment to the organization. In this elevated role, McLaughlin will continue overseeing Curbell’s Cincinnati, Chicago, Detroit and Curbell O&P branches, along with the Cleveland and Houston branches led by new Business Managers Aaron Nix and Dawson Carroll. With more than 25 years in the performance plastics industry, including two decades at Curbell, McLaughlin is known for his strategic thinking, technical acumen and commitment to helping both customers and colleagues succeed. -
Ulrike DeschkaEnsinger welcomes Ulrike Deschka to their management team.
Ulrike Deschka joined the management team of Ensinger on July 1. As Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), she is responsible for HR, Finance & Controlling, IT and Legal & Integrity Departments. She will also assume overall regional responsibility for the companies in the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Canada. Together with CSO Ralph Pernizsak and COO Björn Schneekloth, she forms the three-person team of managing directors.
Deschka has extensive industry and management experience. She worked for the Bosch Group for two decades, primarily in management roles. Most recently, she held overall commercial responsibility for the Robert Bosch Automotive Steering plant in Schwäbisch Gmünd.
Prior to that, she had global responsibility for the Vehicle Dynamics Sensors product group and the Wheel Speed Sensors division at the Abstatt site.
Deschka is succeeding Dr. Roland Reber, who stepped down from the management team at the end of March 2025. Klaus Ensinger, Chairman of the Advisory Board, paid tribute to the achievements of the former managing director: “For almost 23 years, Roland Reber shaped our company and provided important impetus. The fact that we were able to continue Ensinger’s success story despite challenging economic conditions is also thanks to his prudence and commitment.”
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Erin Dewhirst
Sean TooveyProfessional Plastics welcomes two new hires.
Erin Dewhirst joined the company as a territory manager based in San Jose, CA, USA, where she will cover territories in the Silicon Valley and South Bay Area. She will focus on driving sales growth through territory sales quotas and establish and maintain strong customer relationships. With five years of sales experience, in both inside and outside sales in the Silicon Valley, she is excited to step into the role and identify new opportunities for the branch and provide outstanding customer support through tailored solutions to clients in the semiconductor, aerospace and medical field industries.
Professional Plastics also welcomed new territory manager Sean Toovey, based in Phoenix, AZ, USA. In his role, he will be responsible for managing and growing accounts throughout western and northern Arizona. He is excited to focus on building strong customer relationships, identifying material and fabrication needs and delivering tailored plastic solutions that create long-term value. “My goal is to be more than a supplier — I want to be a partner my customers can count on,” said Toovey. “I’m here to help them navigate material challenges, streamline procurement and drive efficiency through expert support and reliable service.” -
Jaquan
A&C Plastics celebrates an employee anniversary and welcomes summer interns
A&C Plastics congratulates Delivery Driver Supervisor Jaquan on reaching his 5-year anniversary with the company, sharing that over the last five years, Jaquan has been a key part of their operations — leading with consistency, reliability and a commitment to getting the job done right.
A&C Plastics is also excited to welcome their 2025 summer interns. Coming from accredited universities across Texas, the group brings fresh ideas, energy and a passion for learning. They’ll be working alongside teams across all divisions — getting hands-on experience in performance plastics distribution.
Jaquan is pictured with A&C Plastics CEO Carolyn Faulk (left) and President Katie Clapp (right).
A&C Plastics summer interns. -
Pete Kuhn
Seelye-Eiler Plastics is pleased to announce the promotion of Pete Kuhn to sales manager.
In his new role, Kuhn will be responsible for the sales organization across all locations. Pete has enjoyed 30+ years in plastic distribution and machining. He started his career working for a large Midwest distributor and later went on to co-found a precision machining company specializing in industrial plastic components. Kuhn had been a regional sales manager since coming to the company in 2023.
PLASKOLITE proudly marks its 75th anniversary in 2025. Founded April 20, 1950, by decorated U.S. Army veteran Donald G. Dunn, PLASKOLITE has grown from a small business in Columbus, OH, USA, into a worldwide industry leader with over 2,000 employees.
While the company’s early days focused on manufacturing drinking straws, fly swatters and hula hoops, it quickly evolved to meet the growing demand for acrylic. Today, PLASKOLITE continues that legacy, producing a variety of innovative engineering thermoplastics that serve many industries.
Throughout 2025, PLASKOLITE will celebrate this milestone with employees, customers and the communities that have shaped its success. Events across global locations will include cookouts, employee recognition programs, alumni reunions and family days.
“As we look back on the journey from a handful of employees on City Park Avenue in Columbus to nearly 2,000 worldwide, one thing has remained constant: our people,” said retiring Chief Commercial Officer John Szlag, who has spent nearly 40 years with PLASKOLITE. “Our success has been built on the dedication of our employees and our commitment to providing the highest quality products and services for our customers. It’s why we say, ’our people are our greatest asset’.”
PLASKOLITE will also give back to the towns and communities that have supported its growth. In honor of the anniversary, employees across all locations will volunteer a collective 7,500 hours of their time to local charities and organizations, reinforcing the company’s culture of service.
The annual report, Plastics News Rising Starts profiles 35 plastics industry stand-outs under the age of 35. Four employees of IAPD member companies were highlighted in the 2025 report:
- Jordan Lindsey, applications lab technician, injection molding at Lubrizol Corp.
- Danica Chin, senior process engineer at PLASKOLITE
- Drew Cook, plant manager, extrusion at PLASKOLITE
- Brittany Lloyd, polymer research manager at PLASKOLITE
Read the full report at www.plasticsnews.com/rising-stars.
Messe Düsseldorf has introduced the K-Alliance, a new umbrella brand for its global portfolio of plastics and rubber trade fairs. Replacing the previous Global Gate branding, K-Alliance reflects a strategic focus on fostering strong partnerships and international collaboration in the plastics and rubber industries.
The K-Alliance includes 11 trade fairs worldwide, offering companies platforms for market entry and industry engagement in key growth regions. Events under the new brand span Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America, with upcoming shows in the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Algeria, Colombia, Thailand, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates. The flagship K trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, scheduled for October 8–15, 2025, remains the centerpiece of the portfolio and is expected to draw over 3,200 exhibitors and more than 175,000 visitors from around the globe.
Biesse S.P.A. integrates U.S. subsidiaries, expands North American presence
Biesse has completed the integration of several U.S.-based subsidiaries, including GMM USA Inc., Bavelloni America Inc. and Techni Waterjet LLC, into Biesse America Inc., effective May 12, 2025. This consolidation is part of Biesse’s broader global growth strategy and marks a significant expansion of its capabilities in the North American market.
The integration enhances Biesse’s offerings in stone, glass, and metal processing technologies, by bringing well-established brands, GMM Bavelloni, Bavelloni Tools and Techni Waterjet, under a unified operational structure. Biesse will now offer an expanded portfolio that includes high-precision waterjet cutting systems, CNC machinery for stone applications and advanced glass processing solutions, in addition to its existing wood and composite manufacturing technologies.
“This strategic move allows us to streamline operations, enhance customer support, and deliver a more comprehensive range of solutions to our clients,” said Federico Broccoli, Country Director and CEO of Biesse America. “We are reinforcing our promise to be closer, faster, and more responsive to the evolving needs of the North American market.”
Arkema has announced a $20 million investment in a new Rilsan® Clear transparent polyamide production unit at its Singapore manufacturing platform. Set to become operational in early 2026, the new unit will triple the company’s global production capacity of transparent polyamides and support growing demand for high-performance, sustainable materials across markets such as eyewear, electronics, healthcare and home appliances.
The project builds on the momentum of Arkema’s recent expansion in polyamide 11 capacity at the same site. The transparent grades, including Rilsan® Clear Rnew® G850 and G820, are partially bio-base, containing 45% and 62% bio-based carbon, respectively, and are fully recyclable through Arkema’s Virtucycle® program. These materials are valued for their clarity, chemical resistance and performance across a wide temperature range.
“This expansion aligns with the evolving demand landscape and our strategy to support customers with local, resilient, and competitive supply chains,” said Laurent Tellier, senior vice president of Arkema’s High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases division.