DAVE BASSLER RETIRING

At the end of this month, Dave Bassler will be retiring from Confer Plastics and the blow-molding industry.

The 72-year old has worked at CPI for the past decade, after having worked for the company in the early 1980s before spending almost 20 years with Airlock Plastics, another blow molder which, by the way, had been started by CPI founder Ray Confer.

Dave has been a real asset to Confer Plastics, handling many an electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical repair in the plant while overseeing the parts ordering - and outside repairs - for all of our molding machines and auxiliary equipment.

We will miss Dave's knowledge, experience and, above all, Dave himself. He's always been a great coworker and friend.

We wish him well in retirement.

CONFER PLASTICS HOLIDAY HOURS

Confer Plastics will be closed Saturday, December 24th through Monday, December 26th for the Christmas weekend. The company will be closed again Saturday, December 31st through Monday, January 2nd for New Years. May you and your families have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

CONFER PLASTICS LOOKING FOR A MACHINIST

Confer Plastics, Inc. has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past 3 years. 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.

Positions are Full Time Permanent, Monday to Friday on our 1st Shift, 40+/hrs per Week.

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.

THANKSGIVING 2011

Confer Plastics will be closed Thursday, November 24 through Sunday, November 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular hours will resume on Monday, November 28 at 7:00 AM.

May you and your families have a great holiday!

BOY SCOUT POPCORN DISTRIBUTED TODAY

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.

FOOD DRIVE WAS A SUCCESS

Confer Plastics and Adecco teamed to conduct a food drive to benefit the Food Bank of WNY.

With the holidays approaching Confer Plastics and Adecco wanted to give back to the local community especially as times are still tough financially for so many across the nation. In Niagara County alone the Food Bank of WNY delivers more than 1.2 million pounds of food annually to assist more than 10,000 people per month. Out of those served by the Food Bank, 39% are children and 11% are seniors.

A collection bin was set-up at the Confer Plastics factory and our workforce contributed two 55-gallon drums filled with non-perishable food items!!

SECOND SHIFT DELAYED ON NOVEMBER 10th

The power came back on at the plant at 10:30 AM Thursday morning. The machines need to heat up, so the start of second shift is delayed to 5:00 PM (and it will end at the usual 11:25 PM). The foreman, assistant and 2 technicians must still report at 3:00 PM.

NO THIRD SHIFT ON NOVEMBER 9

Due to the power outage in North Tonawanda that lasted more than 2 hours this evening, there will be no third shift on Wednesday, November 9, 2011.

CONFER PLASTICS MOVES UP IN RANKS

This week Plastics News released their annual ranking of North American blow molders based on sales volume. Confer Plastics is ranked as the 52nd largest company, up from 63rd last year. See the rankings here: http://plasticsnews.com/rankings/blow-molders.html

POOL & SPA SHOW THIS WEEK!

The annual International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo will be held this week from November 2 to 4 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Stop by booth 1432 to meet with Dennis Lederhouse, Bruce Neubauer, and all of our sales reps. On display will be our pool ladders & steps, spa pads & steps, and Leisure Accents patio and lawn furniture.

If you would like to set up an appointment to talk business with Dennis and Bruce while you are in Vegas send an e-mail to Dennis at dlederhouse@conferplastics.com

FOOD DRIVE AT CONFER PLASTICS

We are teaming with our employment partner -- Adecco -- to conduct a food drive at Confer Plastics to benefit the Food Bank of WNY.

With the holidays approaching Confer Plastics and Adecco want to give back to the local community especially as times are still tough financially for so many across the nation. In Niagara County alone the Food Bank of WNY delivers more than 1.2 million pounds of food annually to assist more than 10,000 people per month. Out of those served by the Food Bank, 39% are children and 11% are seniors.

A collection bin will be set-up at the Confer Plastics factory until the week of November 18t.h Any items will make a difference, and certainly there is no minimum participation.

WGRZ VIDEO NOW ONLINE

The video from Daybreak's live broadcast from Confer Plastics is now available on WGRZ's website. A big thanks to Kevin O'Neill for always highlighting the good things going on in the area on "Celebrate WNY":

http://www.wgrz.com/news/daybreak/CelebrateWNY/article/136664/198/NT-Manufacturer-Excels-in-Plastics

PETE MILLER JOINS THE 20 YEAR CLUB

Pete Miller in 1992

On September 18th, Pete Miller became the 24th member of Confer Plastics’ Twenty Year Club. Pete started here as a young buck of 19 years of age. He worked on all 3 shifts as a machine operator before making the move to secondaries where he spent a couple of years finishing voting booths for Sequoia. That was not an easy task as each console needed more than 90 holes drilled and over 70 inserts installed.

His handiwork and background in automotive mechanics showed that he had what it takes for set-up, where he was tutored by Carl Hartzfeld, John Cleary and others. He quickly learned - and mastered – the tricks of the trade, learning everything about hydraulics, electrical and blow molding.

About 7 years ago he assumed the responsibility of plant manager, capitalizing on his knowledge of everything production and process related and his ability to work with people to make the most out of his, their, and our potential. He oversees everything on the production floor (personnel, process, and equipment) and has maintained that role at CPI longer than anyone before him.

20 years is a long time. How long ago was it? Look at what happened in September 1991:

• The Buffalo Bills began their second Super Bowl season with Jim Kelly throwing 6 TDs against the Steelers
• The Soviet Union dissolved
• A grease fire broke out at Imperial Foods in North Carolina, killing 25
• Deion Sanders was playing baseball with the Braves
• Manuel Noriega’s trial began
• REM was the big winner at the MTV music awards
• “Commish” was the big TV debut of the month

KEVIN O'NEILL FEATURED CONFER PLASTICS IN HIS "CELEBRATE WNY" SERIES

On Wednesday, September 21st, WGRZ TV 2's Kevin O'Neill broadcasted live from Confer Plastics' as a part of his ongoing "Celebrate WNY" series that is a part of WGRZ's morning show, DayBreak.

Three 5-minute snippets about CPI ran during the 2 hour newscast.

Kevin and our own Cliff Hoover educated the viewers about blow molding and introduced them to our wide variety of custom and proprietary products. Viewers were also able to see two of our 75-pound blow molding machines in operation.

KEVIN O'NEILL TO BROADCAST FROM CPI THIS WEDNESDAY

Kevin O'Neill is famous in the Buffalo area for his entertaining and informative "Celebrating WNY" broadcasts that appear on WGRZ TV 2's DayBreak. The morning show runs from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and Kevin makes two live appearances during DayBreak, as he broadcasts from a Western New York business, non-profit or special event, highlighting the people and places of our area.

Kevin will be broadcasting from Confer Plastics this Wednesday, September 21st. Be sure to watch DayBreak. If you miss the show you can catch highlights at WGRZ's website:

http://www.wgrz.com/news/daybreak/default.aspx

NO PARKING FOR THUNDER ON NIAGARA

As much as we'd like to be a good neighbor, parking in the Confer Plastics lot is not allowed for this weekend's Thunder On Niagara jet boat race at the adjoining Gratwick Park. Our lot is closed to those who do not work here due to liability and risk and production taking place this weekend. Also, parking on the roadway coming into our property is limited to the south shoulder as we need the roadway open for tractor trailers and our workforce.

NATIONAL GRID & CONFER PLASTICS TEAM-UP ON LIGHTING PROJECT

Confer Plastics is in the process of replacing the lighting at our facility which last saw an upgrade in the late-1990s. The project began last week and the energy-efficient lights have already had a huge impact: Our workforce came back from our annual plant shutdown week to a very bright production facility. It was like walking into a new factory!

Further results will appear soon as markedly-lower electrical bills.

This project would not be possible without the financial assistance of our electrical provider, National Grid. The power company paid for one half of the project!

National Grid's energy efficiency programs are designed for mid-size and large commercial & industrial customers to provide financial incentives and technical assistance to encourage the installation of high efficiency energy measures. Innovative electric technologies are available to replace inefficient equipment or systems in existing buildings which will help business owners reduce operating costs, increase productivity, and remain competitive and profitable for future growth and sustainability. For more information contact your National Grid representative.

THERESA RETIRES AFTER 32 + YEARS

Make sure you say “good bye” to Theresa Fronczak this week.

Friday will be her last day at the plant after 32 years of service to Confer Plastics and our customers. She may be back for a few days in late August to lend a hand, but for all intents and purposes she’ll be joining the ranks of retirement at week’s end. She’s looking forward to spending quality time with her army of cute grandkids.

Theresa started at Confer Plastics on March 22nd, 1979 back when we operated out of the old Roblin Steel facility off of East Ave in North Tonawanda (and Bob Confer was just over 4 years old).

She started as a machine operator (she still has her knife!) and soon moved to the front office where she’s been ever since. Her duties consist of preparing a variety of correspondence for our custom clients, ranging from letters to reports to quotes to invoices. She has been an important part of our administrative/customer relations functions -- and the Confer extended family -- and she will be missed.

Here is a classic Theresa photo from 1986 when we just moved into the Witmer Road facility…

FORSEY JOINS 20 YEAR CLUB

The Twenty Year Club welcomed its 23rd member this Monday when Annette Forsey celebrated two decades of employment at Confer Plastics.

The LaSalle High graduate, who now calls North Tonawanda home, started working here on July 25th, 1991 after stints at Solar Drape in Tonawanda and Finishing Enterprises at Wulitzer Park in NT. To put that era into perspective, her wage at Finishing Enterprises when she left there was $3.85.

Annette was a machine operator for a while before making the permanent move to the secondaries department where since 1992 she has packed swimming pool ladder hardware and done other tasks. In a typical year, she and her partner in crime Vicki might pack between 50,000 and 60,000 hardware bags. So, over her 20 years, she helped pack nearly 1 million of them!

How long ago was July of 1991? Ponder this glimpse at the history of that month:

• Serial killer Jeffery Dahmer was arrested after the remains of 11 men and boys were found in his apartment
• Mike Tyson was arrested for raping a Miss Black America Contestant
• The United States and Soviet Union signed the first ever START Treaty, limiting nuclear arms
• India announced its New Industrial Policy, setting it on the path to total economic reform
• Boris Yeltsin began his first term as the first elected president of Russia

CONFER PLASTICS' SHUTDOWN WEEK

Confer Plastics will be closed from Saturday, August 6th through Sunday, August 14th. This is our annual shutdown week & plant-wide vacation.

The scheduling of this shutdown gives our coworkers some time to rest and enjoy the summer with their families. It also gives us time to focus on preventive maintenance of our blow molding machines and electrical infrastructure.

No manufacturing or assembly will be occurring during that week. There will, though, be a skeleton crew on site to handle shipping and receiving as well as some basic business functions over abbreviated hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

If you would like to ensure shipments during this period, please get in touch with your Confer Plastics contact as soon as possible so accommodations can be made.

We hope that you’re having an enjoyable summer!

CUSTOMER CONFUSION OVER SWIMMING POOLS

Many people call us inquiring about parts for their swimming pools. Sorry, but we manufacture/distribute only ladders, steps and Skim-Its for pools. All other pool supplies (the pools themselves, filters, covers, etc.) are produced by numerous other companies.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

In celebration of Independence Day, Confer Plastics will be closed Saturday, July 2nd through Monday, July 4th. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, July 5th. Enjoy America's birthday!

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

CPI ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR MACHINISTS

Confer Plastics, Inc. has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past 2 years. 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.

Positions are Full Time Permanent, Monday to Friday on our 1st Shift, 40+/hrs per Week.

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.

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY

Confer Plastics will be closed Saturday, May 28th through Monday, May 30th in observance of the Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy the holiday weekend with your families and please take time to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.

CPI TO LAUNCH SPA CABINET PROGRAM

One of the biggest obstacles to spa manufacturers for getting into blow molded cabinetry (which is a higher-quality, maintenance-free alternative to extruded and wooden panels) is the cost associated with investing in their own molds.

Up until now, no one offered a blow-molded spa cabinet to anyone in the industry hoping to enter the market.

Confer Plastics is changing that and is sure to shake up -- even redefine -- the industry. On July 1st we will be launching a hot tub panel/corner program whereby we will be able to provide those critical components to OEMs.

Complete details regarding styles, colors, sizes, and prices will be issued in early July.

If you'd like to be notified when the time comes, please email sales manager Dennis Lederhouse at dennis@conferplastics.com

CONFER PLASTICS HIRING SET-UP TECHNICIAN

Confer Plastics, Inc. has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past 2 years. With such growth comes the need for more technical personnel. CPI is now accepting applications for the position of set-up technician.

The set-up technician installs the molds and tooling into our 14 blow molding machines. After doing so, the technician must then "tune-in" the machine and ensure that it is creating quality product that meets specifications. Other jobs include general plant maintenance and repair tasks. Knowledge of blow molding processes; ability to perform manual labor; dexterity with, and knowledge of, tools; electrical/hydraulic experience are all preferred, as is a minimum of 3 years experience as a set-up or process technician in a plastics shop.

Positions are Full Time Permanent, Monday to Friday on our 1st Shift, 40+/hrs per Week.

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.

NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW

Confer Plastics will be displaying their Leisure Accents line of patio and spa furniture and steps at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas on May 10-12, 2011. We will be located in the Lawn and Garden World section in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #12257.

The National Hardware Show is billed as 9 shows in 1, with 2300+ vendors, and occupies about 1 million square feet of display area, of which 40% is the Lawn and Garden World. The website is www.nationalhardwareshow.com

CPI IS CLOSED ON GOOD FRIDAY

Confer Plastics will be closed on Friday, April 22nd in observance of Good Friday and the Easter weekend. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, April 25th.

May you and your families have a wonderful Easter holiday!

CONFER PLASTICS PARTICIPATES IN NEW YORK D.O.L. SAFETY PROGRAM

Taking a proactive approach to workplace safety, every 2 years since the late 1990s Confer Plastics has participated in the Onsite Consultation program provided by the New York State Department of Labor. The company has began yet another campaign with this important program and will be working with the State over the next few months.

According to the DOL website the On-Site Consultation Program is a free business resource of the New York State Department of Labor Division of Safety and Health. Funding is provided by the US Department of Labor and NYS Department of Labor to help employers provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees by offering professional occupational safety and health assistance.

For more information, visit:

http://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/safetyhealth/DOSH_ONSITE_CONSULTATION.shtm

LEADERSHIP NIAGARA TOURS CPI

More than two-dozen members of this year's Leadership Niagara class toured Confer Plastics on March 17th as a part of their Small Business Day. The participants were able to walk the factory floor and see a variety of products being made. For most, this was their first look at the inner workings of a manufacturing environment. They also heard from 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 activities. They also heard from Rob Albert of Impressive Imprints who spoke about entrepreneurship, Annette Tomlin from First Niagara Bank who addressed why businesses fail, and Frank Budwey of Budwey Markets who discussed the importance of strategic planning.

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

NEW MACHINE IS OPERATIONAL

Today was a big day for the company. One of our most recently acquired molding machines became operational today!

This dual-headed 20-pound machine was producing handrails for one of our pool steps on her inaugural run.

JIM MILLER JOINS 20-YEAR CLUB

This Friday set-up technician Jim Miller joins the coveted 20 Year Club, becoming the 22nd person to work at CPI for two decades.

He spent a lot of time in shipping before joining the set-up crew about 12 years ago. He's a hardworking & talented fellow when it comes to putting molds & tooling into machines and tuning them in.

Prior to coming here he worked at Kwik Stop in Niagara Falls as a clerk and in shipping & receiving at the Sears in the Summit Mall after spending some time at Niagara University. It was so long ago that Kwik Stop paid only $4.50/hour.

February 1991 seems so long ago. Here's what happened around the world that month:

* Two airplanes collided at the LA airport, killing 34
* Dr. Jack Kevorkian was barred from assisting with suicides
* The ground phase of the Gulf War started
* The IRA twice bombed London

CONFER TO SPEAK AT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Confer Plastics vice-president Bob Confer is well-known locally as a weekly opinion columnist for the Greater Niagara Newspapers and is known in some circles nationally with his small government columns that run in the New American.

He will be talking about how to be involved in civics and activism at a leadership conference to be held at his alma mater, the State University of New York's College at Brockport.

The event will be held on February 27th and will feature presentations from some of the College's alumni in celebration of the school's 175th anniversary.

The teaser for Bob's presentation reads as follows:

Generations X and Y are facing some interesting times. The Great Recession, a changing socioeconomic structure, America's growing fiscal crises, and the development of new global superpowers all bring with them great uncertainty. There's a chance that our generation may be the first in America to not have a better standard of living than the previous generation. How do we make sure that our world is in a better shape than it was when the Baby Boomers handed it over to us? There's only one way... good citizenship. We must take an active role in community affairs and be attentive to the concept of self-government.

For more information about the conference, visit:

http://www.brockport.edu/leadership/conference.html

CONVERSION KIT AVAILABLE IN OUR ONLINE STORE

The conversion kit for our 7200 ladder is now available at our online store:

http://conferplastics.com/magento/index.php/ck7200.html

THE WINTER STORM THAT NEVER HAPPENED

Confer Plastics is open for business on Wednesday. The "dangerous" winter storm predicted by the weathermen never happened!

OUR WINTER STORM PLAN (IF NEEDED)

The weather forecasters are predicting 10” to 14” of snow and 30 mph winds for Wednesday on the Niagara Frontier. If it’s really bad – and not just one of their usual overreactions – here’s 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 and WECK 1230
• 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

APPLICATIONS FOR MAINTENANCE WORKER NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Confer Plastics is now accepting applications for a maintenance worker. The individual will conduct repairs and preventive maintenance on our 18 blow molding machines and their various support equipment.

Knowledge of -- and versatility in -- hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical are required. Welding and machining skills are preferred. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years experience in industry.

The position is full-time (with overtime available) and starting pay is negotiable based on experience.

To apply, email your resume to bob@conferplastics.com or send a hard copy to:

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

7200 CONVERSION KIT

This photo shows one of the first production parts for our new 7200 Conversion Kit. This kit will allow owners of our super-popular 7200 Rollguard Ladder to convert it to an inpool ladder in the event they build a deck for their pool.

The kits will be available in late-February.

2011 SHOWS & EVENTS

2011 Show Schedule

Jan 25-27 Atlantic City Pool and Spa Show; Booth #3513
May 10-12 Lawn and Garden Show – Las Vegas; Booth #12257
Nov 2-4 Pool and Spa Show – Las Vegas; Booth TBD



2011 Distributor Events

Feb 10 Baystate Opportunity Day - Mohegan Sun Hotel/Casino, CT
Feb 15 Hachik Distributors Management Day – Philadelphia, PA
Feb 16 Baystate Opportunity Day – Dover Downs, DE
Feb 16 Aquatech Dealer Show – Bonita Springs, FL
Feb 17 HC Harrington Dealer Show – Pittsburgh, PA

LOOKING TO HIRE MAINTENANCE PURCHASER

Confer Plastics is currently accepting applications for a maintenance purchaser.

The individual will be responsible for the sourcing and procurement of all the components and parts necessary for the repair and preventive maintenance of 18 blow molding machines and auxiliary equipment.

A background in maintenance is a must due to the complexity of our hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical equipment.

This is a part time role; days and hours are flexible. Typical work week will be 24 to 30 hours. Pay is negotiable depending on experience.

Please send resumes to Bob Confer via email (bob@conferplastics.com) or postal mail at Confer Plastics, Inc. 97 Witmer Rd., North Tonawanda, NY 14120.

ORIE CORNETT: TWENTY YEARS AT CPI

On January 9th we will have a new addition to our Twenty Year Club…Orie Cornett.

Orie is the 21st member of this select group. His remarkable accomplishment – two decades of service to one company – is very much appreciated by the Confers. Orie has always had the best interest of the company, our customers and our coworkers in mind. He goes above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect for everyone.

Prior to coming to Confer Plastics, Orie had an impressive 23 year career in the United States Army. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and oversaw the operations of a 90-man tank company in Germany. He received a Meritorious Service Medal and 3 Army Commendation Medals.

Orie, 63, spent years as our third shift foreman and is now our first shift foremen. He is well-liked by all and is chock full of “Orie-isms”, humorous sayings he picked up and developed in his boyhood home of Kentucky. He lives in North Tonawanda and he and his wife have 4 children.

How long ago was January of 1991, the month that Orie started here? These are just a few of the things that happened that January…

• Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky scored his 700th goal
• The Buffalo Bills lost the first of four straight Super Bowls
• Eastern Airlines closed after 62 years of operation
• Congress authorized the use of military force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait, starting our Gulf War

2010 YEAR IN REVIEW

We have produced a flier that looks back at our accomplishments and high points of 2010. Check it out here: http://bobconfer.us/confer2010.pdf