Myers Industries hires chief operating officer

Plastics maker and tool distributor Myers Industries Inc. has a new chief operating officer.

The Akron, OH-based company announced that David B. Knowles, 48, president and chief executive of manufacturer Aristech Acrylics LLC since 2003, is Myers’ new COO and executive vice president effective immediately.

Knowles will be responsible for all manufacturing and distribution operations, sales, marketing, research and development and supply chain functions, the company said in a statement. Myers reported 2008 net sales of $867.8 million.

John Orr, Myers' president and chief executive officer, was the company’s previous COO.