North American diversified plastics and rubber producer Myers Industries (Akron, Ohio / USA; www.myersindustries.com) has acquired reusable plastics crates and totes manufacturer Plasticos Novel (Brasil; www.novel.com.br). The transaction, financial details of which were not disclosed, is expected to be completed in July 2012. Novel will form part of Myers Industries' Material Handling Segment.

The business unit already includes reusable bulk container and totes manufacturer Buckhorn, formed through the integration of the "Xytec" and "Combo" brands in the wake of Myers' purchase of Schoeller Arca Systems North America (Detroit, Michigan / USA) in 2007 – see Plasteurope.com of 19.03.2007. The segment also includes plastic bins and storage systems producer Akro-Mils as well as bulk container and totes manufacturer Myers do Brasil (São Paulo / Brazil).

Catering to a wide array of clients, from the food and beverage to the agriculture sectors, Plasticos Novel turns out reusable plastic containers at its two manufacturing locations in Brahia and Paraná. It also produces industrial safety and traffic products ranging from safety helmets and ear protection to signs and flooring. The company's 1,500 employees process about 15,000 t/y of plastic. Commenting on the acquisition, Myers' CEO John Orr said, “Novel complements our existing material handling business in Brazil, and has strong ties with industry-leading companies through its reputation for innovation and service."