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North American resin markets saw mixed moves in August, with polypropylene and PVC prices down, polystyrene climbing for the third straight month, and polyethylene and PET holding flat.

A roundup of new hires and promotions in the plastics industry.

Miller Manufacturing Co., owned by Minnesota-based Frandsen Corp., has acquired California’s Lixit Animal Care Products to broaden its pet and small animal portfolio and reinforce its focus on U.S.-made products.

Formosa Plastics Corp. USA has commissioned what the firm said is North America’s largest horizontal polypropylene resin reactor.

Plastics News is reporting that polyethylene resin prices were flat in August, following months of market uncertainty.

B. Braun Medical Inc. is investing $20 million to expand its Bethlehem, Pa., manufacturing plant, a project that will add 200 jobs, retain more than 1,700 positions and include a new workforce training center.

Vangest SA has acquired U.K.-based Micro Systems Ltd. and Optimold Ltd. to grow its global footprint in precision medical molding and clean room manufacturing.

New U.S. tariffs on imported plastics machinery, molds and recycled resins offer potential gains for domestic mold makers and recyclers but leave many processors facing costly delays and deep uncertainty.

Niche Polymer LLC’s recent acquisition of four U.S. resin powder plants from LyondellBasell Industries offers a look at the roller-coaster nature of the plastics M&A world.

Mike Radossich will become CEO of materials maker Syensqo on Jan. 1, taking over from Ilham Kadri, who oversaw the company’s spinoff from Solvay SA two years ago.