People &
Places
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Matthew ChristensenNorplex-Micarta has named Matthew Christensen vice president of sales and business development, strengthening its commercial leadership as the company continues to grow globally.
Christensen brings more than 20 years of experience in advanced composites, engineered materials and business-to-business markets. In his new role, he will focus on expanding market presence, strengthening customer partnerships and advancing technology and channel strategies across electrification and industrial markets. He previously served as chief commercial officer at Oribi Composites and executive vice president of the aerospace division at VITA Inclinata Technologies. Christensen holds an MBA in finance from Rockhurst University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. -
Jean Grissom
Boedeker Plastics, Inc. announced that Jean Grissom has retired from her full-time role as medical market manager after 24 years with the company. Grissom has been a valued leader, problem-solver and colleague whose contributions, industry knowledge and steady support have made a lasting impact on Boedeker’s team and culture. She will continue to support the company as a part-time independent consultant to help ensure a smooth transition. Boedeker Plastics congratulates Grissom on an accomplished career spanning more than 50 years in the plastics industry and wishes her the best in retirement. -
Stephen Pontius
Andy Wegener
Eagle Performance Plastics, Inc has promoted Stephen Pontius to vice president of strategic sourcing and technical operations. Pontius has been with the company since 2002, advancing from apprentice to journeyman machinist, estimator, manager of sourcing and technical resources, and now vice president. In his most recent role, he helped align inventory with customer demand, improve quote turnaround times and expand Eagle’s capabilities through new technologies. He also played a key role in the rollout of the company’s ERP and quoting software systems.
Eagle also has promoted Andy Wegener to training supervisor. Since joining the company in 2011, Wegener has demonstrated strong dedication, expertise and a commitment to excellence. In his new role, he will help advance Eagle’s training programs and support the development of new and existing team members. -
Peter Koenig
Ensinger announced that Peter Koenig has joined the company as industry segment manager for health care in its Strategic Growth Group. Koenig brings more than 10 years of sales experience with technical products in the health care industry, with a background in developing technical solutions for demanding markets and applications. Based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Mount St. Mary’s College and an MBA from Moravian University. Outside of work, Koenig enjoys golf, cooking and travel. -
Sibylle Viz
POLYVANTIS has appointed Sibylle Viz as regional sales manager for California, expanding support for distributors, fabricators and OEMs across one of the most active plastics markets in the United States. Based in California, Viz will work with customers using ACRYLITE acrylic and LEXAN polycarbonate film and sheet to evaluate applications, identify opportunities and support product selection. Viz brings 18 years of experience working with ACRYLITE PMMA sheet products, building deep technical and market knowledge along the way. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with distributors, fabricators and end users across the Americas to support product development, solve application challenges and strengthen supply partnerships. Her appointment reflects POLYVANTIS’ continued focus on bringing technical expertise closer to customers and helping them move from concept to finished application with greater confidence and efficiency. -
Attendees of the IAPD Independent Distributor + Fabricator Roundtable at A&C Plastics, Inc. Houston headquarters.IAPD Independent Distributor + Fabricator RoundtableA&C Plastics, Inc. hosted the IAPD Independent Distributor + Fabricator Roundtable at its Houston headquarters, bringing industry peers together for discussion about challenges, opportunities and the future of the performance plastics supply chain.
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to share ideas, strengthen relationships and connect with others across the field. The company thanked participants for their insight and engagement, noting that their contributions helped make the event a success.
A highlight of the day included a visit from Brian Black and his Longhorn steer, “Big Tex,” which created a memorable moment for attendees.
Click to view a video featuring highlights from the meeting and facility tour.
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Kris Hall
John Johnson
Rick Suminski
Tyler Metcalf
Joe BatchikProfessional Plastics, Inc. announced several promotions and new hires across its growing team.
Kris Hall was promoted to business manager of the Professional Plastics Cleveland, Ohio, branch where he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility. He is excited to take on the new challenge after serving as the company’s aerospace market development manager for the last two years. “I’m excited to join an excellent team that we have here in Cleveland and drive growth for many years to come,” said Hall. “Extremely grateful to work for such an amazing company.”
John Johnson will take on the newly created role of managing director, North Central Region. He will be responsible for leading both the distribution and manufacturing operations within the region and focus on operational excellence, profitability and strategic growth. With over 10 years of industry experience, including various leadership positions in sales and operations, he is excited to center his efforts around developing teams, expanding the company’s value-added capabilities, improving efficiencies and delivering consistent value to customers.
Rick Suminski was named the new managing director, Southwest Region at Professional Plastics. Based in Dallas, Texas, he will work to ensure the profitability and strategic growth of the business units within his region and brings nearly two decades of plastics industry experience. Entering the newly established position, his goal is to continue to drive results, lead with influence and inspire teams around him while making a positive impact on the culture of the organization.
Tyler Metcalf joined the company as the new business manager of its Houston, Texas, branch, covering territories in Southeast Texas and the Louisiana region. He will be responsible for directing revenue strategies by guiding sales talent, expanding market presence, and growing both core and emerging customer segments. He will also oversee commercial executions and maintain partnerships with supply chain, warehouse and procurement teams while championing a people-first, performance-driven environment that emphasizes teamwork, customer value and exceptional experiences at every touchpoint.
Known as a results-driven business leader and creative problem-solver, new Atlanta business manager Joe Batchik will oversee the operations and sales growth across the region and a wide spectrum of markets. With 14 years of industry and leadership experience, he plans to lead a strategic business plan with full responsibility for sales performance, profit and loss, operations, inventory and team development. “I’m really excited to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to grow the Atlanta business while developing our people and delivering exceptional value to our customers,” said Batchik. -
Garett Pinson
Aaron Ballagh
Theresa McCarthy
Brian Casey
The company’s sales team welcomed new territory manager Garett Pinson, who joined the ProPlas sales team based in Atlanta. He will work as the location’s “eyes and ears” — focusing on business trends and how they can be improved, fostering relationships with teams and customers, listening to concerns, and helping deliver on customer expectations. “My goal is to drive partnerships, reliability and versatility to Professional Plastics customers,” said Pinson. “In turn, I believe these actions build trust, understanding and a mutual benefit to the industry.”
Professional Plastics has promoted Aaron Ballagh to inside sales manager, Buffalo Distribution. Based in Angola, New York, he brings 13 years of industry experience to the role, having held positions in both customer service and inside sales. With a history of being a top performer on the inside sales team, Ballagh is well-positioned for success in his new role. As manager, he will manage the local team to help grow new and existing business accounts while maximizing company profits. “I’m looking forward to leveraging my existing relationships and product knowledge to my sales team for mutual success and growth,” said Ballagh.
Theresa McCarthy was promoted to the title of sales manager, Buffalo Fabrication. Taking on the role, she will work closely with the company’s fabrication and production teams to ensure customer needs are met. Her goal is to maintain and grow business by strengthening collaboration between sales, production, engineering and scheduling to consistently meet customer commitments with an increase in gross profits. “When teams align and communicate clearly, execution improves and results follow,” said McCarthy.
Brian Casey was promoted to business manager, Buffalo Distribution. His responsibilities will include managing the company’s Angola, New York, sales team along with its national wholesale group and customer service team. Casey has an impressive 16-year history with the company, bringing deep and versatile experience to this new role. He has learned the ins and outs of the industry by working in a variety of positions including warehouse, administration and management roles. In his new position, he will use his industry knowledge and management skills to grow new business in the Northeast region. -
Photo courtesy of Curbell Plastics, Inc.Rachael Warrior FoundationCurbell Plastics, Inc. is recognizing the meaningful community impact of Leo Koellner, an inside sales representative for films and tapes at the company’s western New York location, whose volunteer work supports survivors of domestic violence through the Rachael Warrior Foundation.
Koellner volunteers with the Rachael Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit established in memory of his close friend, Rachael Wierzbicki, who was killed in an act of domestic violence in 2018. Created by Wierzbicki’s family and loved ones in Orchard Park, New York, the nonprofit supports victims of domestic violence through direct assistance, education and community outreach.
“I’ve been volunteering with the foundation since it began,” Koellner said. “All of our volunteers are called ‘Warriors.’ Together, we work to honor Rachael’s memory by helping survivors find safety, stability and hope.”
The organization helps women and children find safe housing and covers emergency expenses as they escape abusive situations. Inspired by Wierzbicki’s love of bubbles, its mission is to “turn tears into bubbles,” with each “bubble” representing a life changed through compassion and support.
Supporting the communities where employees live and work is central to Curbell’s culture, and the company recognizes team members like Koellner who dedicate their time to making a difference.
Curbell is also a sponsor of the foundation’s upcoming Let’s Get Bubbly event on June 5, 2026. The event will celebrate Wierzbicki’s life and what would have been her 30th birthday while raising funds for survivors and their families.
For more information, visit rachaelwarriorfoundation.org
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Curbell Plastics, Inc. Acquires Intersate Advanced Materials
Curbell Plastics, Inc. has acquired Interstate Advanced Materials, a nationwide distributor of plastics and composite materials.
The acquisition expands Curbell’s geographic footprint, particularly in the western U.S., and adds nine Interstate locations and more than 150 employees to its distribution network. Curbell Plastics will now operate 31 locations nationwide.
Interstate Advanced Materials brings an established team, strong customer relationships and regional market expertise. Key leaders and team members will continue with the business to support a smooth transition, and customers will continue working with their existing contacts.
“Interstate is a strong strategic fit for Curbell,” said Gerry Helbig, president of Curbell Plastics. “This acquisition significantly increases our western U.S. presence, expands our reach in important markets and brings together two organizations with aligned values and a shared commitment to customer success.”
Interstate Advanced Materials will operate as a Curbell Plastics company. Over time, customers are expected to benefit from broader product access, expanded technical support and increased nationwide capabilities.
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Jason Arceo
Curbell Plastics, Inc. announced the expanded leadership role of Jason Arceo, business manager III, who now oversees the company’s Phoenix, Arizona, and Aurora, Colorado, locations. Arceo has led the Phoenix Sales and Service Team for six years and recently took responsibility for the Colorado location.

Arceo brings more than 20 years of experience in distribution, including over a decade specializing in industrial plastics. Since joining Curbell Plastics in 2020, he has built a high-performing team in Phoenix and partnered closely with customers to solve complex application challenges using performance plastics.
He is known for hands-on leadership, open communication and a focus on understanding customer needs. Arceo and his teams support a range of industries, including aerospace, machine shops, semiconductors and electronics, specialty vehicles, military hardware and sign manufacturing.
“Jason’s leadership style aligns with our commitment to being a solution provider, not just a supplier,” said Jay Forcellina, senior regional director for the western United States. “He develops strong teams and long-term customer relationships, supporting our continued growth across the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regions. ”Over time, customers are expected to benefit from broader product access, expanded technical support and increased nationwide capabilities.