North Kingstown, Rhode Island (May 22, 2026)—Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is pleased to announce that Franco Chicarella has been appointed Senior Director of Sales, Marketing and R&D with responsibility for Torayfan® BOPP and Lumirror® BOPET Divisions. Chicarella has been with Toray Plastics (America) for more than 25 years and has built an exceptional career, advancing through roles within the technical, new product development, and commercial functions.
Toray also announces two additional promotions within its sales organization. Amanda Kirchoff has been promoted to Director of Sales with responsibility for both Torayfan® and Lumirror® sales. Corbin Nichols has been promoted to Sales Manager for the Torayfan® Division. All changes became effective April 1.
Chicarella joined Toray in 2000 as an engineering intern and transitioned to a full-time role in 2001 as a Process Engineer in the Lumirror® Division. Early in his career, he held several key positions, including Technical Service Engineer and Group Leader for New Converted Products Development. In 2010, he moved to the Torayfan® Division as Product Manager and later served as Business Manager. He was appointed National Sales Manager in 2013 and promoted to Director of Sales in late 2020, both within the Torayfan® Division. Most recently, in 2025, he was named Senior Director of Sales & Marketing for the Torayfan® Division.
“Franco’s promotion is a testament to his exceptional career progression, deep technical expertise, and steady leadership,” said Christopher Roy, President, CEO, and COO of Toray Plastics (America), Inc. “His ability to bridge engineering and commercial strategy, combined with his long-standing commitment to Toray and its customers, has made him an invaluable leader. Leaders like Franco bring the experience, focus, and commitment needed to guide our business and support our next phase of growth,”
Kirchoff brings a strong track record of progressive leadership within the organization. Since 2020, she has served as Torayfan® National Sales Manager with responsibility for major key customers. She previously served as Torayfan® Senior Accounts Manager and was appointed Key Accounts Manager in 2017 after two years as Product Manager. Prior to that, she spent two years as a Torayfan® Sales and Marketing Analyst. Kirchoff began her career with Toray in 2012 as a Cost Analyst in the Accounting Department.
“Amanda’s promotion reflects her demonstrated leadership excellence, developing strong customer partnerships, and consistent track record of delivering results. Her progression through key roles since joining Toray underscores both her dedication and her ability to drive growth and build strong relationships across the business,” says Franco Chicarella, Senior Director of Sales, Marketing and R&D.
Nichols joined the company in 2020 as a Torayfan Sales Representative, bringing valuable industry experience from a major supplier of food and protective packaging, where he worked as an Application Engineer and served as a technical liaison for key accounts. Earlier in his career, he completed two co-op placements in the automotive industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science from Clemson University.
“Corbin has quickly distinguished himself through his technical knowledge, customer focus, and ability to translate complex challenges into practical solutions. His diverse industry background and strong foundation in packaging science position him well to drive continued success in his new role,” says Amanda Kirchoff, Director of Sales.
Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, and metalized films, as well as polypropylene and polyethylene foams. The company is committed to environmental, social, and corporate governance and aims to contribute to society by creating new value through innovative ideas, technologies, and products that help address global issues. R&D focuses on developing materials that are bio-based, compostable, biodegradable, and/or recyclable. The company’s sustainability initiative, launched in 2004, includes operating three solar farms and two cogeneration systems, purchasing 100 percent of the energy generated by the Bristol Landfill Solar Project, conserving energy and water, recycling, and achieving zero landfill. Toray is proud to be recognized for their sustainability achievements by Rhode Island’s Green Manufacturing Certification Program.
Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a subsidiary of the Toray Group, which believes that materials can change lives and provide real solutions to the world’s challenges. The Toray Group is the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films, with annual sales exceeding US$16.8 billion. For more information about Toray Plastics (America)’s products, contact Josh Moniz, Product Manager, at 401-667-3121 or joshua.moniz.b2@mail.toray. Toray Plastics (America)’s headquarters is at 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500; telephone 401-294-4511. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc., website at www.toraytpa.com.