THIS BLOG DISCONTINUED

This blog has been discontinued as the "what's new" material is now incorporated as a series of pages within our website. Please visit www.ConferPlastics.com to keep abreast of the latest goings-on at Confer Plastics.

GOOD FRIDAY

Confer Plastics will be closed on Friday, April 18th in observance of Good Friday and the Easter weekend. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, April 21st.

May you and your families have a wonderful Easter holiday!

LEADERSHIP NIAGARA TOURS CONFER PLASTICS

 

Three dozen members of this year's Leadership Niagara class toured Confer Plastics on March 13th as a part of their Manufacturing Day. The participants were able to walk the factory floor and see a variety of products being made. For most, this day was their first look at the inner workings of a manufacturing environment. They also heard from our vice-president Bob Confer who talked about the struggles and joys of running a business.

This was just one stop on their full day of small business & leadership activities. They also heard from Joe McMahon -- who gave them a tour of Audubon Machinery and spoke about his brand of leadership --, North Tonawanda Mayor Rob Ortt, and leadership educator Tim Widjaja.

Leadership Niagara is a year-long leadership training program for adults who represent a cross section of Niagara County; including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, community based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.They meet for daylong sessions held each month addressing diverse, local needs. LN focuses on helping participants to enhance their understanding and recognition of what our community lacks to become a better place to live and work, followed by becoming involved and making it happen. The program provides opportunities for participants to develop their own personal leadership styles and networking opportunities. More information can be found at: http://www.leadershipniagara.com/

If your community organization would like to tour our factory send an e-mail to Bob Confer at bob@conferplastics.com

BLIZZARD CLOSING

Due to the blizzard warning in Niagara County for Wednesday, Confer Plastics' schedule is adjusted as follows:

All first shift and business/customer support operations are to report to work as scheduled this morning. All will cease operation at 11:00 AM.

2nd and 3rd shift are cancelled for Wednesday. The shift technicians are still supposed to report to duty since the machines will be at heat overnight.

Production and business will resume as normal on Thursday.

Due to the lost day, Saturday work is available for anyone (not just the kayak crew) and will be paid at time and a half for those worked their scheduled shifts throughout the week but lost either the whole or half shift on Wednesday due to the weather.

CONFER'S SNOW CLOSING POLICY

The weather forecasters are predicting a major snow storm for Niagara County on Wednesday, with snow totals of 10 to 17 inches. 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:

• 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

STEPS FOR THE RV INDUSTRY

For years we've mostly marketed our Hand-Steps and HS2s as steps for entering your spa. This year, we're entering the RV market -- it's a perfect step for all sorts of recreational vehicles. Here's a first glance at our carton label.

POWER IS RESTORED

Around 3:00 AM this morning the area lost power. Power to the plant was not restored till 7:00 AM. Machines are going up to heat and should be available to run by noon, so 2nd and 3rd shift should report as scheduled.

WKBW'S "MADE IN WNY" VIDEO ABOUT CONFER PLASTICS

WKBW HIGHLIGHTS CONFER PLASTICS

Elizabeth Carey, the Business First reporter at WKBW TV 7 in Buffalo, produces a weekly installment called "Made in WNY" in which she profiles a local business from the Buffalo-Niagara region.

We were fortunate to be featured by Elizabeth during the February 24th newscasts. You can watch her wonderful report here...

http://www.wkbw.com/news/Made-in-WNY-Confer-Plastics-246865561.html

CONFER PLASTICS TO BE FEATURED ON WKBW

Today we were visited by Elizabeth Carey of Business First and WKBW. She interviewed Bob Confer about the company's past, present, and future and shot footage of our machines running -- including the big machines making kayaks and swimming pool ladders.

Her report on the company, part of her ongoing "Made in WNY" series, will air this coming Monday, February 24th during WKBW's morning show (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM on channel 7 in the Buffalo market) at these times: 5:15, 5:45, 6:15, and 6:45. A report will also air during the 11:00 PM news on Monday. 

We can't wait to see it!

OUR UNITED WAY RAFFLE FOR FEBRUARY

To help our United Way fundraising campaign (which in turn helps children and families across Niagara County), we will be having another special raffle this month. This one is for an extra paid personal day.

For $5 you can buy a raffle ticket that will be put into a random drawing to receive the day off (to be used whenever you’d like) and the pay that comes with it. To purchase a raffle ticket, see your foreman. On Friday, February 28th, we will draw one raffle ticket from all entries. You can enter more than once. The contest is open to all hourly Confer Plastics and Adecco personnel. 

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 2014 tax returns.

Thank you for your support of United Way!

CONFER PLASTICS IS STILL OPEN IN TODAY'S STORM

Niagara Falls and Lockport have both issued travel advisories (not bans) within the past hour because of the snow that has fallen and might fall this afternoon.

We are still open for business.

Here is a reminder about our snow policies regarding various advisories...

• 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. Under an advisory, travel at your own discretion -- if you don't come in, it will be considered an excused absence

MANUFACTURING EXPLORING POST BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER

Exploring is a worksite-based program of the Boy Scouts of America and is designated for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years old. Exploring units, called "posts", usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation, engineering, or the like, and may be sponsored by a government or business entity.

Working in conjunction with the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the BSA, a manufacturing Explorer post will launched by Confer Plastics this fall, led by Cliff Hoover, Frank Fedele, and Kathy Armol.

The program will run in school year increments and will feature the following agenda that will follow the life cycle of a product line from start to finish, with considerable hands-on experience in our factory:

Sept: Introduction to Confer Plastics and manufacturing
Oct: Sales and marketing
Nov: Design and engineering
Dec: Christmas break
Jan: Production Part 1
Feb: Production Part 2
Mar: Quality and safety
Apr: Distribution/warehousing and human resources
May: Management and leadership
June: Program closure and picnic

The young men and women will be manufacturing experts when they're done!

We are excited about this as we're always looking for ways to educate the community (especially our youth) on the importance of USA-based manufacturing.

Enrollment is limited to the first 18 people. They need not currently be affiliated with the BSA to join the post -- they can enroll in the BSA/Exploring and the post at the same time.

If interested in participating, contact the GNFC's Polaris District Executive Stuart Schnettler via email at stuart.schnettler@scouting.org. 

CPI LOOKING TO BRING ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME MACHINIST

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 5 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 24 hours a week 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.

VISIT US AT BOOTH 3109 AT THE ATLANTIC CITY POOL & SPA SHOW

CPI AT AC SHOW THIS WEEK

Confer Plastics is exhibiting in the 32nd annual Atlantic City Pool and Spa Show --- the premier event for pool/spa professionals in the Northeast -- from January 28th through January 30th.

Featured in our booth will be our Curve Aboveground and Inground Step Systems which took the market by storm in 2013 as well as our brand new swim spa panels for hot tub manufacturers.

Stop by booth #3109 to say "hi" to Dennis, Bruce and our sales team.

For more information about the show, run by the Northeast Pool Spa Association, visit the show's website.

CONFER PLASTICS CAN DONATE TO YOUR WNY FUNDRAISER

Confer Plastics loves to give to the community, with a special emphasis on more-localized events and fundraisers that help smaller organizations or, especially, families that are in great need in times of health issues and other crises. Every year we give away hundreds of our pub/patio sets -- and other Leisure Accents products -- to such events. They make great raffle and door prizes and can help the organizers bring in some big money.

If your WNY community organization or cause is looking for a prize to give away at a fundraiser, please email us (bob@conferplastics.com).

Don't hesitate to ask: In 2013 we donated product with a total retail value of $22,000. It's the least we can do to help local organizations and families succeed in trying times and a trying economy.

CONNECTION ISSUES

If you have had problems sending us an email or fax or calling us on Wednesday, January 15th, we apologize for any inconveniences. Time Warner cable -- which provides all of our connections -- has been cutting in and out all day.

NEW FOR 2014: VETERAN'S DAY

The company is adding another day to our list of holidays – Veteran’s Day.

BUT, it’s not for everyone. Most everyone here will still be working that day.

Only Confer Plastics and Adecco personnel who are veterans or currently serving in the armed forces will receive the day off and the holiday pay that comes with it.

We are doing this to recognize the men and women who REALLY deserve that day off --- the people who risked life, limb, and livelihood to ensure that we all have the freedoms that we enjoy.

At last count, we have 9 people who will be receiving that new annual benefit.

A big “thanks” goes out to them for their service!

BLIZZARD UPDATE

Niagara County has been unaffected by the blizzard affecting parts of WNY. We didn't even get a dusting of snow at the plant overnight and today. So, there is production on Tuesday. BUT, a few miles away in Erie County, conditions are horrible and bans are in place, so Erie County residents will be excused from work (be safe!). Niagara County residents are still to report to work.