Thursday, December 26, 2013

2014 HOLIDAY & SHUTDOWN SCHEDULE

With the new year nearly upon us, here is our holiday and shutdown schedule for 2014 so our coworkers, customers, and vendors can plan accordingly:


Wednesday, January 1st: New Year's Day

Friday, April 18th:
Good Friday

Monday, May 26th:
Memorial Day

Friday, July 4th:
Independence Day

Saturday, August 23rd - Sunday, August 31st:
Annual plant shutdown and vacation

Monday, September 1st:
Labor Day

Thursday, November 27th & Friday, November 28th:
Thanksgiving

Wednesday, December 24th  & Thursday, December 25th:
Christmas

Wednesday, December 31st:
New Year’s Eve

Monday, December 16, 2013

SABRES RAFFLE TO BENEFIT UNITED WAY

To help our United Way fundraising campaign (which in turn helps children and families across Niagara County), we are raffling off a pair of Sabres tickets. They are for the Tuesday, January 21st game versus the Florida Panthers. They are excellent seats: Section 123, row 12, seats 13 and 14.

For $5 you can buy a raffle ticket that will be put into a random drawing to receive the tickets. On Friday, December 27th, we will draw one raffle ticket from all entries and that person will receive both Sabres tickets. You can enter more than once. All proceeds will go directly to the United Way. For every entry, you will receive a receipt so you can note your donation to charity on your 2013 tax returns.

This raffle is open to all Confer Plastics employees and friends and family of Confer Plastics.

Please participate – you’ll be helping a great cause and you might be able to see the rejuvenated Buffalo Sabres.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

HOLIDAY HOURS

Confer Plastics will be closed Monday, December 23rd through Wednesday, December 25th in observance of Christmas. The company will be open for regular business hours on Thursday, December 26th and Friday, December 27th.

The company will be closed Monday, December 30th through Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year’s holiday.  The company will be open for regular business hours on Thursday, January 2nd and Friday, January 3rd.

May you and your family have a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Friday, December 6, 2013

SWIM SPA PANELS

Yesterday we produced some parts off of our new mold which expands our spa panel program into new territory: We will now be offering cabinet panels to manufacturers who are in the swim spa industry. 

The swim spa market is a growing one in North America and we will be able to help the manufacturers save money (over extruded or wood panels) and offer an attractive alternative.

If you make swim spas, please contact Dennis Lederhouse for more information at dennis@conferplastics.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

CONFER PLASTICS PRODUCED ICONIC CHRISTMAS PRODUCT

One of the iconic images of the holiday season was manufactured by Confer Plastics.

Everyone is familiar with the leg lamp in the movie "A Christmas Story". It was the prized possession of The Old Man (played by Darren McGavin) which was ultimately broken by his wife.

We made the leg that can be seen in the classic scene below...


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

CONGRESSMAN COLLINS TOURS CONFER PLASTICS



Representative Chris Collins (NY-27th) visited Confer Plastics today. He got a chance to witness our operations and see the manufacturing of a variety of products from sharps containers to sonobuoys to 2 different styles of kayaks.

Following the tour he had a discussion with Doug and Bob Confer about US energy policy, foreign trade, and the Affordable Care Act and how each of those factors influences Confer Plastics' competitiveness at home and abroad.

Of special interest was a conversation unrelated to public policy: Chris gave critical insight to the Confers about his positive experience with self-insurance in the employee benefit packages of his businesses. It's an issue that they will now research which could save the company and its employees a great deal of money. 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

CONFER'S SNOW CLOSING POLICY

The weather forecasters are predicting the first snow storm of the season for Tuesday and Wednesday on the Niagara Frontier. If it’s really bad – and not an overreaction – here’s a reminder of company policy on what to expect in the event of a major winter event now and in the future:

• If we are closed, it will be announced on the AM radio at WLVL 1340
• If we are closed, there will be a posting on Confer Plastics’ Facebook page and the “what’s new” page on our website, www.conferplastics.com
• If we are closed, Adecco and Confer staff will attempt to call you
• If there is a driving BAN in Niagara County, do not come in. We will be closed
• If you live in Erie County and there is a driving BAN only there, do not come in, even though we will be open
• If there is a travel ADVISORY in Niagara County, we will still be open. Travel at your own discretion
• Do NOT call the factory lunchroom to see if we are open

Friday, November 22, 2013

CPI IS 64th LARGEST BLOW-MOLDER IN NORTH AMEICA

This week, Plastics News -- the industry's go-to weekly magazine -- released their annual ranking of North American blow molders based on sales volume. Their analysis includes bottle makers as well as large-parts blow molders like us.

Confer Plastics is ranked as the 64th largest blow-molder on the continent.

We are pleased with the ranking as most all of the plants ahead of us on the list are high-volume bottle and automotive manufacturers. In our niche, we remain among the handful of large-parts blow molders in the top 100.

Thank you to our coworkers, customers and vendors who make this all possible!

GNFC POPCORN DISTRIBUTION AT OUR WAREHOUSE

Confer Plastics is doing some interesting community service today: Our Liberty Drive warehouse is serving as the distribution center for the Greater Niagara Frontier Council's (Boy Scouts of America) popcorn sale.

Scoutmasters: Our address is 2107 Liberty Drive in Wheatfield (Niagara Falls maildrop). Drive all the way back to the last loading docks.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

THANKSGIVING HOURS

Confer Plastics will be closed Thursday, November 28th through Sunday, December 1st so that our coworkers can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their families. Regular hours will resume on Monday, December 2nd.

May you and your families have a memorable Thanksgiving holiday next week. The entire team at Confer Plastics is thankful to have coworkers, customers and vendors like you!

Monday, November 18, 2013

RAFFLE FOR SABRES TICKETS TO BENEFIT UNITED WAY

To help our United Way fundraising campaign (which in turn helps children and families across Niagara County), we will have regularly-occurring fundraisers at the plant. These fundraisers are open to participation from employees of Confer Plastics, their families, our vendors and customers, and friends of Confer Plastics.

One of our suppliers – Partners in Packaging – donated a pair of Sabres tickets for us to raffle off for our latest fundraiser. They are for the Tuesday, December 10th game versus the Ottawa Senators. They are excellent seats: Section 110, row 28, seats 1 and 2. Included with the tickets is an access pass for the Lexus Club at the Arena. For $5 you can buy a raffle ticket that will be put into a random drawing to receive the tickets.

To purchase a raffle ticket, all CPI employees should see their foreman. Everyone outside of the company should mail a check payable to "Confer Plastics" to 97 Witmer Rd., North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

On Friday, December 6th, we will draw one raffle ticket from all entries and that person will receive both Sabres tickets. You can enter more than once.

All proceeds will go directly to the United Way. For every entry, you will receive a receipt so you can note your donation to charity on your 2013 tax returns.

If a second shift employee wins the raffle, he/she can take that evening off as an excused absence.

Please participate – you’ll be helping a great cause and you might be able to see the rejuvenated Buffalo Sabres.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

THIS MONTH'S UNITED WAY FUNDRAISER: LUNCH WITH CONNIE

To help our first-ever United Way fundraising campaign (which in turn helps children and families across Niagara County), every month we will have a special “gimmick” fundraiser at the plant. This could be things like paying quality manager Cliff Hoover to wash your car, paying operations manager Charlie Hohman to dress in drag for an entire day, or raffles for things like Sabres or Bills tickets. We’ll try to change things up to make it fun.

Our inaugural event is “Lunch With Connie.” For $10 employees, vendors and friends of Confer Plastics can buy a raffle ticket that will be put into a random drawing. On Wednesday the 27th we will draw one ticket from all entries and that person will have a lunch with Connie Confer during the month of December at the Como at the Airport (the company will pay for the lunch). You can enter more than once.

All proceeds will go directly to the United Way. For every entry, you will receive a receipt so you can note your donation to charity on your 2013 tax returns.

Please participate – you’ll be helping a great cause!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

VISIT CONFER PLASTICS AT THE INTERNATIONAL SHOW THIS WEEK



One of the biggest events for the pool and spa industry -- the International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo -- is being held this week, from Tuesday, November 12th  through Thursday, November 14th at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The team from Confer Plastics is displaying our wares at booth 5036. Stop by and visit with Dennis, Bruce, and Charla and check out our line of products --- from the old stand-byes like the 7200 ladder to the Curve step system that took the market by storm this past summer.

You will also get to check out our new products, which includes an adapter kit that will allow our ladders to be used on the increasingly-popular Intex and EZ-Set pools.

For more information about the show, visit http://poolspapatio.com/

Monday, November 11, 2013

CPI LOSES 2 FORMER COWOKERS

It's with a heavy heart that we report that Confer Plastics lost 2 former employees last week.

Stephanie Parks worked on 2nd shift and was a machine operator and quality inspector for 5 years during the 2000s. She passed away last Tuesday at the age of 46. Here is her obituary: http://niagara-gazette.com/obituaries/x252047354/Stephanie-Elizabeth-Parks

Phil Rutty worked at the plant in the 1980s and 1990s and spent most of his time on our third shift. He passed away on Thursday at the age of 58. Here is his obituary: http://tonawanda-news.com/obituaries/x703159569/Philip-D-Rutty

Our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families.

THANK YOU, VETERANS

On this Veterans Day we say "thank you" too all the men and women who served our nation and made it possible for Americans to enjoy the quality of life and freedoms that we do.

We are especially fortunate to have a number of veterans and current members of our military working alongside us at the plant. A special "thanks" goes out to Orie Cornett, Carl Ealy, Fred Greene, Cliff Hoover, and Joe Ulrich! 

Friday, November 8, 2013

NORTH COLLINS STUDENTS TOUR CPI


On Friday, November 1st, 32 students from the ninth to twelfth grades at North Collins Central School toured Confer Plastics. The students were led by technology teacher Mr. Manchester, social studies teacher Mr. Bittner and guidance counselor Mr. English. 
 

The students were taken on an hour-and-a-half educational tour through the factory and were able to experience our entire operations and witness production of our swimming pool products and kayaks.


The kids were extremely inquisitive and interested and asked some in-depth questions which amazed Confer's tour guides.  Their teacher said it was one of the most eye-opening adventures the students have had in the real world. 


Thursday, November 7, 2013

NEW BENEFIT FOR OUR COWORKERS

Next week, as benefit to our coworkers, we will be installing a TV in the factory lunchroom on which will run YNN Buffalo 24-hours a day to keep everyone informed about the goings-on in our community and around the world.

Monday, November 4, 2013

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY DRIVE



When people donate food to food pantries, usually it’s canned goods that kids all too often aren’t much interested in eating. That’s why Pete Robinson of Lockport founded the Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive in 2010: He wanted to provide local needy families with foods that kids enjoy.

The fourth annual PB&J Drive opened on Friday and continues through December 7th, with donation bins for unopened jars of peanut butter, jelly and marshmallow Fluff being set up all over the Niagara Frontier.

Confer Plastics will be one of 4 drop-off sites in the Tonawandas/Wheatfield area. The collection bin will be set-up in the front lobby of our office and we will be accepting donations of the items from the community at large between the hours of 6:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday - Friday till the end of the drive.

To learn more about the drive, and other drop-off sites throughout the region, read this recent report from the Lockport Union Sun and Journal...

http://lockportjournal.com/local/x862199340/Spreading-the-love-PB-J-Drive-begins-again

Thursday, October 31, 2013

PART-TIME TRUCKER POSITION

The part-time truck driving position has been filled. Thank you to anyone who had sent in a resume or was interested in the position. 

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

SWIM SPA PANELS

Our spa cabinet program has been such a huge success with spa manufacturers that we are expanding the line. In November we will be launching a cabinet line for swim spas! Details and photos of our first panels off the machine will be shared here in a few weeks.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

CPI LOOKING FOR PART-TIME TRUCK DRIVER

Confer Plastics has a perfect way for a retiree (or overnight truck driver) to pick up some extra cash.

We have a need for a part-time driver. Hours would be 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Monday - Friday and then from 7:00 AM till noon every other Saturday (the exact Saturdays are flexible and can be worked out with our primary driver). This position would begin immediately and last until May 2nd, 2014.

This would not be over-the-road driving to any of our customers or vendors. The driver’s primary role is to make transfers between our main plant at the corner of River and Witmer Roads in North Tonawanda and our warehouse and distribution center on Liberty Drive in Wheatfield (just a few miles apart).

Maybe once a day during the week and then all morning on Saturdays, you will have to make transfers to warehouse space we rent at the former Bell Aerospace plant in Wheatfield, which is only a few miles away, too.

If interested -- and you have a valid CDL -- send a resume to Bob Confer via either of these methods:

Email:

bob@conferplastics.com


Post:

Confer Plastics, Inc.
97 Witmer Rd.
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

DROP-OFF SITE FOR PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY DRIVE

The annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive, organized by Lockport's Pete Robinson, is heading into its fourth year. In each of the past 2 years the popular drive, with collection sites throughout Niagara County, has collected more than 9,000 cans!

When people donate food to food pantries, usually it’s canned food that kids all too often aren’t much interested in eating. That's why Pete started the drive: The PBJ drive collects only peanut butter, jelly and Fluff.

The crew at Confer Plastics is proud to be a drop-off site for this year's drive. We will have a drop box located in our front office for employees and visitors alike to make a donation.

The drive gets underway in November. As we get closer to the start of the drive, a note will be posted here as to the availability of the drop box.

Friday, October 4, 2013

UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN BEGINS NEXT WEEK

Everyone is familiar with the United Way, a national non-profit with 1,800 branches across the US that help facilitate the funding and management of various community organizations and programs.

Here in Niagara County the United Way partners with groups like Big Brothers/Big Sisters; the Boy Scouts; the Girl Scouts; YWCA; YMCA; Family & Children’s Services and a dozen other organizations. You can learn about the local United Way online at: http://www.uwgn.org/

The United Way is known for teaming with employers and their employees to conduct fund drives and offer a venue through which people can contribute in other ways, including volunteerism.

Next week, we will begin our first-ever United Way fundraising campaign at Confer Plastics -- the first of many to help support this great organization. We hope to emulate the success of local companies like Delphi, the Seneca Niagara Casino, and Wegman’s and help the United Way in positively impacting the community. 

Thursday, October 3, 2013

NEW PRODUCT COMING THIS FALL

"Non-traditional" metal-framed pools have become all the rage in the swimming pool industry as consumers have been buying the more-affordable pools -- produced by the likes of Intex -- in great numbers in the past few years.

Our ladders were never designed for use with such pools (due to the need to fasten to a traditional pool's top seat). To accommodate such pools we are introducing a ladder adapter kit this fall. The first of these kits will come off the molding machine by the end of this month and will be on display at November's International Pool and Spa Show. 

Here is a drawing of the kit in use with our 7100 ladder.


  

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

BOB CONFER APPOINTED AS BSA COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Our vice-president Bob Confer was recently appointed as the president of the Iroquois Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The ITC serves nearly 3,000 youth in Western New York, covering Eastern Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston counties. 

Bob will oversee the board and ultimately all volunteers within the ITC in an effort to achieve an array of strategic goals and his big picture goal:

"I want to bring to our council’s ranks the most youth possible and offer to all of them an economical and effective outdoors-based program that will help shape their character and leadership styles in a positive way for years to come."

Monday, September 30, 2013

HUNTING AT OUR LIBERTY DRIVE PROPERTY

With archery season almost upon us, we remind interested parties that hunting -- or traversing through our property -- is not allowed at our premises located at 2107 Liberty Drive in Wheatfield (Niagara Falls mail-drop) at any time of the year. There are too many liability issues associated with allowing hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts on the property. All trespassers will be asked to leave. Failure to leave (as well as repeat offenses) will lead us to contact the Niagara County Sheriff's Department and/or the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

1990 CUSTOM MANUFACTURING BROCHURE


In our ongoing celebration of our 40 years of business, here's a copy of our custom manufacturing brochure from 1990.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

INTERNATIONAL POOL/SPA/PATIO EXPO

With all of the kids back to school, summer is unofficially over. That has us thinking about next summer and preparing all of our dealers and distributors for it.

One of the biggest events for this -- the International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo -- is just over 2 months away, November 12th - 14th at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Confer Plastics will be displaying our wares at booth 5036. Stop by and visit with Dennis, Bruce, and Charla and check out our line of products --- from the old stand-byes like the 7200 ladder to the Curve step system that took the market by storm this year.

You will also get to check out our new products, which will include an adapter kit that will allow our ladders to be used on the increasingly-popular Intex and EZ-Set pools.

For more information about the show, visit http://poolspapatio.com/

Friday, August 30, 2013

LABOR DAY HOURS

Confer Plastics will be closed Saturday, August 31st through Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day and in celebration of everyone who works at CPI. Enjoy Summer's last hurrah!

Monday, August 26, 2013

POWER RESTORED

Power has been restored to the plant as of 6:50 PM, so there WILL be a third shift tonight (Monday, August 26th).

POWER OUTAGE AT THE PLANT

There has been a significant power outage in the area because of thunderstorms. It is affecting 1,600 businesses and residences in North Tonawanda and another 1,100 in Wheatfield...Confer Plastics is one of them. Because of that, 2nd shift has been sent home for Monday, August 26th. Power is set to be restored to the grid at 5:00 PM (per National Grid) and then we have to energize the plant and tend to the machines. So, TENTATIVELY there is still a 3rd shift tonight. To verify if there is or is not a 3rd shift, call the factory lunchroom at 10:00 PM (716.692.1025). I am hoping to have the Facebook page and blog updated by that time, too.

Friday, August 23, 2013

NO PARKING FOR RUSTED ROOT CONCERT

As much as we'd like to be a good neighbor, parking in the Confer Plastics lot is not allowed for this weekend's Rusted Root concert at the adjoining Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda. Our lot is closed to those who do not work here due to liability and risk. It will be patrolled by a security guard.

Also, parking on the roadway coming into our property is limited to the south shoulder as we need the roadway open for tractor trailers, our workforce and other vehicles. 

For more information about the Niagara River Rocks concert series and parking, visit their website here: http://niagarariverrocks.com/

Monday, August 19, 2013

CONFER LADDERS & INTEX POOLS

Our swimming  pool ladders currently do not work with Intex pools. But, we're planning to come out with an adapter for the 2014 season that will allow our ladders to work with these increasingly-popular pools.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

FIRST SHIFT CANCELLED FOR MONDAY

Due to the extended power outage created by yesterday's powerful storms, there will NOT be production on first shift Monday, July 22nd as we work to get the plant back online. Production will begin with second shift on Monday. Only first shift's production team is off -- 1st shift's management, administrative, shipping, set-up, maintenance, machining and secondaries personnel should still report to work on Monday. The production personnel who will be unable to work can make up their time on Saturday when the split shift will be working. Likewise, anyone who was unable to work today because of the outage will have a chance to work on a Saturday when their team is not scheduled to.

PRODUCTION CANCELLED FOR SATURDAY

Production has been cancelled for Saturday, July 20th on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts (the second and third shift foremen are still to report to the plant for guard duty). The powerful storms that blew through the area last night took out National Grid's substation that provides power to the plant. It is unknown when it will be restored.

Friday, July 12, 2013

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY SUMMER CAMP TOURS CPI

On July 12th, 20 high schoolers who will be entering the 10th grade toured Confer Plastics as a part of Niagara University's Career and College Readiness Camp.

These inquisitive and mature teens really impressed us with their interest -- despite what some people say, there is hope for America's future!

They got to learn about manufacturing and the skill sets & educational requirements required for a career in industry, and they got to see our blow molding operations first hand.

The 3-week long Camp was established by NU professor Dr. Roselind Bogner to serve as a springboard to the Smart Scholars Early College High School (ECHS) program. The state-funded initiative pairs institutions of higher learning with public school districts to give select high school students the opportunity to earn up to 30 free college credits.

“Career development is a process that requires students to be self-aware, as well as knowledgeable about the world of work,” stated Dr. Bogner. “In order for students to make a successful transition to a career and college, they must be academically and developmentally prepared to meet many challenges.”

NO PARKING FOR TEA PARTY CONCERT

As much as we'd like to be a good neighbor, parking in the Confer Plastics lot is not allowed for this weekend's Tea Party concert at the adjoining Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda. Our lot is closed to those who do not work here due to liability and risk. It will be patrolled by a security guard.

Also, parking on the roadway coming into our property is limited to the south shoulder as we need the roadway open for tractor trailers, our workforce and other vehicles. 

For more information about the Niagara River Rocks concert series and parking, visit their website here: http://niagarariverrocks.com/

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS --- WIN A PRIZE!

This fall we will be launching a new website for the company.

One thing we want to do is add more pictures of our pool ladders, pool steps, spa steps, and patio furniture. We need your help!

If you have an attractive set-up of our product in your pool, spa, or lawn and have a keen eye for photography, please snap us a picture of your Confer-branded product, either in use or all by itself.

E-mail us your photos, along with a message listing your name and postal address to bob@conferplastics.com. Mention "Confer Photos" in the subject line.

Please understand that your photo may be used on our website and your submission of a photo grants us that permission. 

All submissions will be entered in a contest to win one of our HS2 spa/utility steps.

Homeowners whose photos make it to our website will be entered into 1 of 3 random drawings.

Those who submit photos of our ladders will be entered to win one of our new Curve aboveground pool step systems.

Those who submit photos of our pool steps will be entered to win a matching combo of one of our picnic table sets and a bistro table set.

Those who submit photos of our spa accessories and lawn/patio furniture will be entered to win one a matching combo of one of our picnic table sets and a bistro table set.

The deadline to enter is September 2nd of 2013.

Thank you for your help in beautifying our website...and, good luck!
 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

PARKING NOT ALLOWED ON THE FOURTH

As much as we'd like to be a good neighbor, parking in the Confer Plastics lot is not allowed for viewing the Tonawanda/North Tonawanda Independence Day fireworks from the adjoining Gratwick Park. Our lot is closed to those who do not work here due to liability and risk.

Friday, June 28, 2013

CONFER PLASTICS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MACHINIST

Confer Plastics, Inc. is looking at an increase in business in the coming months and with such growth comes the need for more technical personnel. CPI is now accepting applications for the position of machinist.

Our machinists modify/repair blow molds and design, build, and modify tooling and fixtures needed in the blow molding process. Knowledge of machining is required; a minimum of 3 years experience as a machinist is preferred.

An extensive background in machining is required, but we are not looking for CNC machinists. We are in need of machinists experienced in Bridgeport mills, engine lathes, and horizontal boring mills. Aluminum welding is a plus.

The position is full-time permanent, Monday to Friday on our 1st Shift (7:00 am to 3:25 pm), but we would be willing to hire a machinist who retired early from one of the local automakers (like Delphi) who might be looking for something to do to earn some extra bucks. For an individual like that, we wouldn't mind offering, say, 24 hours a week, Tuesday to Wednesday, if the retiree isn't interested in a full-time job.

Starting Wage is commensurate with experience.

Send resume to:

BOB CONFER
CONFER PLASTICS, INC.
97 WITMER ROAD,
NORTH TONAWANDA, NY 14120

EMAIL: bob@conferplastics.com

FAX: 716-694-3102

Please, no phone calls.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

JULY 4 SCHEDULE

In celebration of Independence Day, Confer Plastics will be closed Thursday, July 4th through Sunday, July 7th. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 8th. Enjoy America's birthday!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

NO PARKING FOR PRIMUS CONCERT

As much as we'd like to be a good neighbor, parking in the Confer Plastics lot is not allowed for this weekend's Primus concert at the adjoining Gratwick Park. Our lot is closed to those who do not work here due to liability and risk. It will be patrolled by a security guard.

Also, parking on the roadway coming into our property is limited to the south shoulder as we need the roadway open for tractor trailers, our workforce and other vehicles. 

For more information about the Niagara River Rocks concert series and parking, visit their website here: http://niagarariverrocks.com/

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

MEMORIAL DAY

Confer Plastics will be closed Saturday, May 25th through Monday, May 27th in observance of the Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy the unofficial start of summer with your families (the weather looks perfect in WNY) and please take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.

BOB CONFER APPEARS ON LOCAL EDUCATION SHOW

Yesterday, our vice-president Bob Confer was the guest of BOCES Board of Education President Becky Albright and Anedda Trautman, the Principal of Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, for a filming of an episode of "Your Public Schools".

If you are a parent of a teenager or young adult who might be wondering about what to do with their lives, tune in to Time Warner Cable channel 21 in the Niagara/Buffalo market for some answers as Bob, Becky, and Anedda talk about the importance of skilled trades and vocational training.

The show will air repeatedly over the next 4 weeks. You can see LCTV's schedule at www.LCTV.net

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

WATCH THE TARGET SUCCESS VIDEO ABOUT CONFER PLASTICS

In 2008, our vice-president Bob Confer appeared on an episode of "Target Success", a locally-produced business & education related show that runs on Time Warner cable in Western New York. Bob talked about the company with host Jerry Wolfgang and it makes for an excellent primer about Confer Plastics. The show is a half-hour in length and is divided in 2 videos below...






Monday, May 20, 2013

ASSEMBLY VIDEOS FOR CURVE SYSTEM

We have posted online 2 videos detailing the assembly of our complete Curve System, the attractive "wedding cake" style steps for swimming pools....


 



Thursday, May 9, 2013

WHY FUNDRAISER ITEMS ARE PICKED UP AT OUR WAREHOSE

Yesterday, a really miserable woman who won one of our patio sets in a local fundraiser/benefit gave our staff a hard time on the phone (and dropped "F" bombs) because she was "inconvenienced" by having to pick up her FREE (and expensive) patio set.

For anyone -- like her -- who wonders why we have the sets picked up at our warehouse and don't have them available at the fundraisers, it's simple: The boxes are so large that we can't have the product at a fundraiser for space reasons within the fire hall, church, or wherever it may be held...and the coordinators of that event cannot count on the winner having enough room in his or her car the night of the event.

As for anyone who relies on our products for their fundraiser: Fear not, one bad person doesn't ruin it for everyone else. People like her are a small part of the population and the good people (and the good that we can do with our donations) can far outweigh the bad.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

CONFER PLASTICS' POLICY ON MANAGEMENT'S ACCESSIBILITY BY PHONE, E-MAIL



Some of our clients may find it confusing, even frustrating, that we don’t allow for our management team’s cell phone numbers to be shared with them. They are equally confounded by our lack of company-supplied smart phones, personal data assistants, and laptops. 

It has been a long-held company policy that we don’t divulge cell phone numbers or equip our staff with the latest in portable technology because we firmly believe that “family” is a big part of “family business”.  There is a clear division in our company philosophy -- and demands -- between home and work, and, when the day is done, we expect our coworkers to spend time with their families. 

We do not condone after-hours communication with our customers because it is exactly that: after hours. Our managers and owners spend 8 to 11 hours (and maybe more) of their days in the office or in the plant; that is where they do their work. A good portion of our management team starts their days by – and even well before – 7:00 a.m. (we do, after all, produce goods 24 hours a day). We don’t want them to take their work home with them because quality of life is contingent on a good job and it’s also contingent on a life outside of that job.

Our policy applies to our team’s evenings, weekends, holidays, and vacations. As a matter of fact, we also demand that our personnel do not call our suppliers outside of their working hours, either – we value their personal time as much as ours.

This policy may not seem like it keeps with the times, now that we live in a 24-hour world. But, that constant connectedness from phones, Blackberries and the like is maybe a dozen years old. The business world did just fine before that. And, it will be just fine when that technology goes the way of the telegraph.

But, please don’t think that this means your business isn’t worth our efforts or attention. We still focus on service, delivery, and quality just as have for more than 40 years. Our staff will answer your phone calls and emails during our working hours and from the office. It might not be that immediate response that you may have come to expect from the rest of Corporate America, but the ultimate outcome will be what you have always expected – and what we always expect – from Confer Plastics: top-notch results.

Thank you for your understanding.


Bob Confer
Vice-President

Monday, April 29, 2013

UNITED WAY FOOD DRIVE AT CONFER PLASTICS

Everyone is familiar with the United Way, a national non-profit with 1,800 branches across the US that help facilitate the funding and management of various community organizations and programs.

Here in Niagara County the United Way partners with groups like Big Brothers/Big Sisters; the Boy Scouts; the Girl Scouts; YWCA; YMCA; Family & Children’s Services and a dozen other organizations. You can learn about the local United Way online at: http://www.uwgn.org/

The United Way is known for teaming with employers and their employees to conduct fund drives and offer a venue through which people can contribute in other ways, including volunteerism.

This September, we will have one of the annual fundraising campaigns here – our first of many - hoping to emulate the success of local companies like Delphi, the Seneca Niagara Casino, and Wegman’s.

In the meantime, we will lend a hand in some of their other endeavors.

First on the list is a food drive.

Beginning Wednesday, May 1st and running through Friday, May 17th we will have a box located just in the factory where donations of non-perishable foods can be placed (please no glass jars).

This food drive is extremely important as it will be used to stock food banks and community food pantries across Niagara County.

Most people donate to food drives at the holidays thinking it’s the most important time of the year. It’s important, but the need is even greater at this time of the year because school lets out in June and families who utilized the free meal systems at public schools need some way to keep their families fed.

So, please help and donate what you can – it will have huge impact in homes and neighborhoods across the Niagara Frontier.

Friday, April 19, 2013

CONFER PLASTICS LOOKING FOR A MACHINIST

Confer Plastics, Inc. is now accepting applications for the position of machinist.

Our machinists modify/repair blow molds and design, build, and modify tooling and fixtures needed in the blow molding process. Knowledge of machining is required; a minimum of 5 years experience as a machinist is preferred.

We are not looking for CNC machinists. We are in need of machinists experienced in Bridgeport mills, engine lathes, and horizontal boring mills. Aluminum welding is a plus.

The position is full-time permanent, Monday to Friday on our 1st Shift (7:00 am to 3:25 pm).

Starting Wage is commensurate with experience.

Send resume to:

BOB CONFER
CONFER PLASTICS, INC.
97 WITMER ROAD,
NORTH TONAWANDA, NY 14120

EMAIL: bob@conferplastics.com

FAX: 716-694-3102

Please, no phone calls.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT!

We thoroughly enjoyed the incredible amount of support from the community during our open house. It was really awesome to know that 600 people were interested in seeing what we do.

We are just as impressed by the support that continues to this day -- we have received many "thank you" cards, emails and phone calls from those who visited us. Wow!

That's why we stay in Niagara County -- we're lucky to be a part of such a great community full of great people!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

PHONES & EMAILS OUT AGAIN

Confer Plastics' ongoing saga with phone and internet connections continues. Earlier this year we went 4 straight days without both and experienced outages of 24 hours on two other occasions. Our provider allegedly fixed the problem within the network of our North Tonawanda neighborhood.

Maybe they did. Maybe they didn't.

This afternoon a nearby lightning strike shut off the connections again. So, if you are finding it impossible to connect with us via phone, fax, or email on Wednesday, April 10th (and likely Thursday, April 11th), you are not alone. And, we didn't close.

This has proven to be one of our great frustrations of the year -- no company in this modern era, especially one that sells globally, can afford to be without communications. You need to contact us and we you.

We are sorry for any inconveniences and we hope that our provider has the situation rectified soon.

Friday, April 5, 2013

CONFER PLASTICS' OPEN HOUSE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!



Our tour guides

On Thursday, April 4th, Confer Plastics celebrated our 40th anniversary with an open house. This 8 hour event allowed our friends, families and the community at large to tour our facility and see what we do and experience manufacturing, something that few of them ever had. 

We purposely scheduled the open house during the Easter Break to welcome adults and children alike. It worked: Nearly 600 people toured the plant and kept our 12 tour guides extremely busy. 600 people… impressive!

All of the attendees were very excited as they got to see our team transform small beads of plastic into swimming pool ladders, dock, and kayaks, while learning about the science of blow molding and the history of one of Niagara County’s largest manufacturers, one responsible for the invention of everyday items like the living hinge and flexible fuel funnels.

Following the tour, the visitors were treated to a buffet meal catered by Suzanne’s Fine Dining. They also got to take home some souvenirs --- our utility steps for adults and sleds for the kids.   


Thank you for everyone who worked together to make the event a success and thank you to all of the visitors who took the time out of their days to experience and share our company.

It was a great day and we look forward to the next open house when we celebrate our 50th anniversary!  

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

BLAST FROM THE PAST: THE SNOWBLADE



One of the products we made long ago suddenly has some resurgent popularity.

A half dozen times over this past winter we received emails from individuals across America who had used a friend's Snow Blade and did a quick search on the internet to find one of their own. This brought them to the sample parts gallery on our website, the only place where this classic sled could be found online.

Unfortunately, we were unable to make their search a fruitful one as this item is no longer available and we would be unable to sell them if they were --- these sleds were made for a custom manufacturing client who in turn sold them to their clients (department and hardware stores throughout the Northeast).

The customer for whom we made them was named Buddy "L", which was founded in 1910. Over the course of the mid-1990s we made a few thousand SnowBlades for them. It was an interesting sled...a single blade with a seat that one would ride downhill while sitting upright, almost like a bicycle.

Production of these sleds ended around 1994 and Buddy "L"  soon fell on some hard times. Buddy "L" had been sold to Empire Industries in 1990 and within 10 years Empire filed for bankruptcy.

During Empire's bankruptcy, the molds became the property of the larger creditors and the whereabouts and status of the molds are unknown. No one has made a SnowBlade since we stopped in 1994.

Who knows, maybe someday someone will unearth these molds and make the sleds. They've certainly proven to be able to stand the test of time and are beloved by anyone who uses them.