CONFER PLASTICS UNVEILS “THE BEAST”
In the fall of 2016, our new machine -- affectionately called “the Beast” by news media and visitors alike -- went into service.
Taking into consideration both press size and shot size, this is one of the largest blow molding machines in the whole world, maybe ranking in the Top Five.
The plattens are more than 14 feet in height and the head is capable of dropping almost 150 pounds of material. The machine is 4 stories tall in its entirety and it takes up more than 700 square feet of floor space.
It is so massive that it dwarfs our other large machines, which were already some of the biggest in the industry!
COMMUNITY TOURS
We enjoy showing off the factory and educating young and old alike about the wonders of manufacturing. Among the community groups that toured the plant in 2016 were Leadership
Niagara, Lyndonville High School, Tapestry Charter School and UB’s STEP program.
COMMUNITY GIVING
In 2016 we donated $65,000 of our Leisure Accents patio sets to 260 fundraisers across the Niagara Frontier that needed raffle, basket, and door prizes to support their church or non-profit or a family that may have been facing insurmountable medical costs.
MOVING UP IN THE RANKINGS
Plastics News — the industry’s go-to weekly magazine — releases every year a ranking of North American blow molders. Their analysis includes bottle makers as well as large-parts blow molders like us.
Confer Plastics is now ranked as the 50th largest blow molder on the continent. Three years ago we were the 64th largest. Thank you to our coworkers, customers and vendors who make this all possible!
THE CONFER CLASSIC WAS A HUGE SUCCESS
In June we had our inaugural “Confer Classic” golf tournament which was a monstrous success. Nearly 100 golfers helped to raise $11,000 for the Iroquois Trail Council which serves 2,500 Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Western New York. A wise investment in America’s future!
OUR FACILITIES GOT A FACELIFT
One of the first things you’ll notice on your next visit to Confer Plastics is that our facilities got a much needed makeover in 2016.
Our office space was doubled in size, and now when meeting with our clients they have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Niagara River thanks to our second floor conference room.
Our factory lunchroom was also made over, making it more spacious, comfortable and accommodating to our growing workforce.
THE FLEXIBLE FUNNEL TURNS FORTY
September marked the 40th anniversary of an everyday product invented by Doug Confer. His flexible fuel funnel can be found in garages everywhere and it is used to put gasoline or oil into vehicles.
Doug received his patent in September 1976. We made hundreds of thousands of them until the patent expired 14 years later. Then, Mexico and China could make them far cheaper than we. While we haven’t made any since 1990, it’s pretty neat to see this effective invention in use throughout the world.
NEW BROCHURE
In the fall we launched our new general info brochure, replacing one that was 10 years old. We really like this one; it tells interesting stories about the company. If you’d like a copy send an email to
NEW SPA PRODUCT
For years we’ve made spa cabinetry for spa and hot tub manufacturers. Now, we are taking that to the consumer! In November we officially launched our Restor-a-Spa kit which allows homeowners to replace their worn out wooden or extruded spa cabinets with our attractive, heavy-duty panels and corners. This product was a hit at the International Pool, Spa, Patio Expo.