BLAST FROM THE PAST: MARX SLEDS

Occasionally on this blog we reminisce about days gone by and look back at products we manufactured years ago. One such product is the sled we made for the Louis Marx Toy Company.

The one-time toy giant that was based in the United States contracted with us to make these popular blue sleds in the mid-1970s just prior to the Marx Company's 1978 collapse (after it had been in business since 1919). These sleds were sold by the thousands throughout the Northeast and could be found in stores like Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward's.

Many Generation Xers of colder climes remember riding on them and, surprisingly, many of their parents still have the sleds! They have held up to the test of time and 30 years later they can still hit the slopes. That's what you call quality manufacturing ;)

For more information about Louis Marx visit these websites that look back at the history of the company:

http://www.marxmuseum.com/

http://www.marxtoymuseum.com/

NORTH TONAWANDA MAYOR TOURS CPI

The new mayor of the City of North Tonawanda, Rob Ortt, toured Confer Plastics on February 17th as a part of his business & community outreach endeavor.

Rob and his team spoke with Bob Confer about the history and future of Confer Plastics. The Mayor was able to see the factory in operation, with items like kayaks, docks, and pool ladders in production.

Rob is a young mayor -- just 30 years of age -- who brings youth, drive and a positive attitude to the position which bodes well for North Tonawanda's future.

LYNC TOURS CONFER PLASTICS

Since 2001, LYNC (Leadership for the Youth of Niagara County) has brought together youth leaders – high school juniors and seniors - from diverse backgrounds throughout Niagara County for experiential leadership training and character development. Modeled after Leadership Niagara, LYNC is a program designed to equip youth leaders with essential skills and motivation to respond to the challenges facing our community. Students representing every school district in Niagara County participate in the program. The students participate in skill building sessions in diversity, communication, leadership, and personal performance.

LYNC toured Confer Plastics on Thursday as a part of their economy and business day in which they get a chance to experience how the world works. This was a real eye-opener as most kids have never seen how the products they consume are made. They also heard a speech from Bob Confer about the the trials and joys of running a small business.

More information abot LYNC can be found at:

http://www.leadershipniagara.org/lync.php

A MESSAGE TO OUR CUSTOMERS (RE: PRICING)

The plastic materials market is in a very tenuous position.

Low domestic demand, a result of the recession, has forced many resin producers to tighten their belts and therefore their supply. At the same time, international demand has risen courtesy of the growing economies of China and India. To accommodate that shift in market dynamics, the big players in the chemicals industry have focused their efforts on satisfying overseas demand.

All of this led to domestic delivery issues over the course of 2009. Those problems will persist in 2010 and will probably grow in scale as producers actually shut down North American ethylene production facilities just as Dow recently did.

Based on the laws of supply and demand – more manufacturers vying for less material – the price of resin is scheduled to go up in excess of 24% in February and March. Other increases are in the works for the remainder of 2010. It may prove to be a period as volatile as 2007-2008 when material costs exceeded 90 cents a pound.

That said, Confer Plastics will have to revisit pricing throughout the year, even for those who have submitted blanket purchase orders or are hoping for fixed pricing through an entire marketing year. Confer Plastics will have to adjust our quoted prices to you on a regular basis and, depending on the severity and number of the spikes in resin costs, it may occur as often as every 45 days.

We will endeavor to achieve the best possible prices we can in an effort to minimize the financial impact to both you and Confer Plastics. But, please understand it won’t be an easy task. The plastics market was not healthy prior to the recession and with certain facets of the world’s economy becoming healthy the inherent weaknesses of the market will be realized again.

As the market puts out more feelers about the future I will be sure to keep you in the loop.

Sincerely,

Bob Confer

CPI INTRODUCES NEW LADDER GATE

New for the 2010 swimming season, Confer Plastics has introduced a self-closing, self-latching gate for the popular 7200 pool ladder. This will allow the ladder to meet new building codes which are becoming more and more popular across the Northeast. The first parts came off the machine this week.

If interested in carrying this accessory email Dennis Lederhouse at dennis@conferplastics.com

CONFER PLASTICS TURNS 37 TODAY

Confer Plastics, Inc. celebrates its 37th anniversary on January 22nd.

Confer Plastics was founded in 1973 by the late Ray Confer and his son Doug. The company invented the first plastic swimming pool ladder back in the 70’s. The company continues to manufacture pool ladders and steps and, about 10 years ago, Confer Plastics delved into the spa industry, manufacturing a line of spa steps, spa pads, gazebos, and patio furniture.

Confer Plastics also manufactures custom OEM goods, ranging from items as small as toner bottles to as large as kayaks. The company employs over140 people in its two facilities in the Niagara Falls, NY area.

Bob Confer, the third-generation vice-president of Confer Plastics, says, "37 years is a remarkable achievement, especially in the down economy that has plagued the world for two years now. What makes it even more special is the fact that we’re still making everything right here in the US. All this success couldn’t be achieved were it not for some really great customers and coworkers."

More information about the company can be found at www.conferplastics.com

CHARLIE HOHMAN JOINS THE 20 YEAR CLUB

This Friday, January 8th, Charlie Hohman, the VP of operations at Confer Plastics, joins the prestigious 20-Year Club, becoming the 18th CPIer to spend two decades with the company!

Charlie joined us in 1989 and has served in a variety of roles from plant management to product management. For most of his time here he has been a jack-of-all-trades, and his primary responsibilities have been and are purchasing, custom product logistics, quoting, and custom client relations. To many of our clients, Charlie is the face of Confer Plastics (and what a face it is!).

Here's to another 20 years with Mr. Hohman!

CONFER PLASTICS IS HIRING

We're starting the new year right: On January 4th we're planning to bring on 15 new coworkers in a temp-to-perm manner. If you know someone looking for a steady gig (40 hours/week plus voluntary OT) send them to the Adecco offices in Lockport or Niagara Falls THIS week and mention Confer Plastics.