People &
Places
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Chris Cain
Asahi/America, Inc. announces the addition of Chris Cain to its outside sales team as district sales manager.

Cain joined Asahi/America on February 24, 2025 as district sales manager for the Southeastern sales region comprised of Florida and Georgia. Cain brings over 25 years of experience in life support systems operations for aquariums and zoos, making him a valuable addition to Asahi/America’s sales team. In his new role, Cain will be responsible for supporting distributors and customers within his territory, offering product recommendations, support and project assistance.
Before joining Asahi/America, Cain worked at Loggerhead MarineLife Center in Juno, FL as the vice president of facilities and animal husbandry. Prior to Loggerhead MarineLife Center, he worked at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV for over 20 years as a journeyman plumber during construction, then in the facility’s Life Support Systems division. His vast knowledge of valve and piping systems in these life support system applications will assist distributors and engineers in sales and specification efforts of Asahi/America’s full catalog of valves, actuators and piping systems.
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Jason Susnjara
Jennifer WattThermwood Corporation announces the promotion of two key executives.
Jason Susnjara has been promoted to president of Thermwood Corporation, succeeding David Hildenbrand, who recently retired after 47 years of distinguished service. With more than 30 years at Thermwood, Susnjara has held a wide range of leadership roles across multiple departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations.
Since 2019, he has served as executive vice president, where he played a key role in guiding Thermwood’s strategic direction and growth. He also serves on the company’s Board of Directors.

Jennifer Watt has been promoted to executive vice president of Thermwood Corporation. Since 2019, Watt has served as the company’s chief legal officer, where she has led Thermwood’s legal and corporate governance efforts with distinction.
She holds a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Watt is a licensed attorney in both Indiana and Illinois and serves on Thermwood’s Board of Directors.
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Svetlana Klimova
Rob LeBlanc
Natalie ShurwinProfessional Plastics, Inc. adds three members to its sales team.

Svetlana Klimova joined the company as a territory manager based in Houston, TX. In her role, she will cover regions in Texas, including the Golden Triangle Area, as well as all of Louisiana. She will drive revenue growth in her region by identifying and qualifying new business opportunities, managing key accounts and delivering tailored technical solution.
“My vision for this role is to build strong, value-driven partnerships across the territory, focusing on solving customer challenges, expanding our footprint, and becoming the go-to solutions provider in the region,” said Klimova.

The company welcomed new Inside sales representative, Rob LeBlanc, in Sacramento, CA. LeBlanc will focus on bringing new clients to table and building long-lasting relationships with his fellow team members and customers. He brings a diverse service background with him to this new role and will utilize the skills he acquired from his time in retail market strategies and sales, as well as his experience as a CNC technician. His robust knowledge and skillset position him for success in understanding needs, goals and objectives of his clients.

Inside sales representative, Natalie Shurwin, will support customers, drive account growth and increase margins through proactive service and strategic solutions. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Shurwin previously held administrative roles at Professional where she gained hands-on experience in the company, customer service and the performance plastics industry.
“It’s great to return to a company and team I believe in. I look forward to the challenges ahead and am focused on growing accounts, strengthening relationships, and creating long-term value for our customers,” said Shurwin.
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Amanda HarnessNew Age Performance Products welcomes Amanda Harness to their team.

Amanda Harness has joined NewAge Performance Products as the new strategic account executive, focusing on the company’s distribution network. Harness will be working closely with the company’s valued partners and other key distributors around the globe. Her extensive background and proven success in the industrial distribution channel make her an asset to the NewAge team as her experience and insight drive continued growth and strengthen relationships with its distribution partners.
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Alston
Nicole F.A&C Plastics Celebrates Two Employee Milestones.
A&C Plastics proudly announced the promotion of Alston to e-commerce manager. Since joining the E-commerce team last April, Alston has played a key role in streamlining the company’s online processes and improving the customer experience. Over the past year, he’s shown drive, attention to detail and a deep understanding of customers’ needs. His ability to collaborate across departments and respond to real-time challenges has made him a standout member of the A&C Plastics team.

Additionally, senior account manager, Nicole F., has officially marked her 20-year anniversary with A&C Plastics.
“Her two decades of hard work and loyalty have left a lasting impact on the business — and on every team member who’s had the chance to work alongside her. Her passion, consistency and deep commitment to getting the job done right are felt across every location. She’s been a steady hand, a team player and a quiet force behind the scenes who always leads by example.” A&C Plastics wrote in honor of Nicole.
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Lori SealockEagle Performance Plastics, Inc. names new president.

Lori Sealock has been named president of Eagle Performance Plastics, Inc. Sealock has been with Eagle for 24 years serving in a variety of roles, most recently as vice president, operations & finance. As president, Sealock is responsible for managing all operations of the business and leading the entire Eagle team.
Jared Bailin, previously president & CEO will remain in the role of chief executive officer.
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IAPD – The Performance Plastics Association is pleased to welcome two new members to the association:Ladder Up Marketing, Inc. – Associated Products and Services
Omega Plastics LLC – Manufacturer
PrimeRisk Insurance Solutions – Associated Products & Services - Plastifab Industries Inc. acquires R&M Pole Line product line, adds industry veteran to team.
Plastifab Industries Inc. has acquired the R&M Pole Line product line, expanding its offerings in pole line protection and plastic extrusion solutions. The acquisition, completed in March 2025, brings the assets of R&M Plastics’ Pole Line Protective Guard products into Plastifab’s operations, with production integrated at its Montreal facility.As part of the transition, Dan Ritchie, former president of R&M Plastics, has joined Plastifab in a new role focused on product sales for the R&M Pole Line brand. The product line will retain its established name under Plastifab, ensuring continuity for existing customers.Plastifab’s leadership described the move as a strategic step in strengthening its market presence and enhancing capabilities across North America. R&M Plastics, founded in 1967, had earned a longstanding reputation for innovation in custom plastic extrusion.Plastifab’s CEO, Ryan Antoniadis, emphasized how this acquisition aligns with the company’s broader strategy:
“This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Plastifab as we continue to expand our presence in North America. R&M’s Pole Line Protective Guard business has a long-standing history of delivering high-quality plastic extrusion products to a loyal customer base. We are excited to integrate its capabilities into our operations, enhancing our ability to serve customers with an expanded product line, improved capabilities and greater innovation.”
Kenneth “Ken” Wilson, 88, passed away April 2, 2025 surrounded by family.
Born in Barnesville, GA on September 29, 1936 to the late Needham Perry Wilson and Pauline Hughes Wilson, he was the oldest of three sons. He is preceded in death by his brothers Randall Wilson and Pete Wilson.
A proud veteran, Wilson graduated from Gordon Military Academy and served in the U.S. Air Force. Following four years of service Wilson moved to Atlanta, GA where he began his career in the plastics industry.
Wilson co-founded CartierWilson LLC in 1973 alongside Stan Cartier. He spent 20 years traveling as a sales representative. Later in his career, he served as president of Plastics Manufacturing Inc. where he worked until retirement in 1995.
“Ken Wilson’s name is still on the door — but more importantly, it’s still in the work,” said Chris Corona, Principal at CartierWilson. “We’ll continue to carry that legacy forward with every relationship, every project and every success.”
Wilson is survived by his wife of 64 years Dianne Freeman Wilson; daughters Pamela Wheet and her husband Tim; Patti Earnhardt and her husband Tim; grandchildren Andrew Wheet; Matthew Wheet and his wife Abby; Holly Wheet; Katherine Earnhardt and her fiancé Connor; Emily Earnhardt; and great granddaughter, Delilah Wheet.
A celebration of Ken’s life was held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Cabarrus Country Club.
For those who wish to honor the life of Ken Wilson, memorials can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081, or Forest Hill United Methodist Church Caregivers Mission, 265 Union Street N, Concord, NC 28025.