Assembly Resolution No. 98

BY: M. of A. Morinello

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Confer
Plastics Inc. in North Tonawanda, New York, on
January 22, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Confer Plastics Inc. in North
Tonawanda, New York, on Sunday, January 22, 2023; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated with a myriad
of events held throughout the year including a communitywide Open House
on September 20, 2023; Confer Plastics will also bring back a variety of
previously made products, including a bistro table and chair set that
had been popular locally, a flexible funnel that Doug Confer, Bob's
father and the current CEO, invented in the 1970s for putting gas and
oil into vehicles, and blue sleds originally made for the Louis Marx Toy
Company in the 1970s; and

WHEREAS, In addition, a 60-page book about the company will also be
distributed for free from the Witmer Road facility, focusing on their
history, the different innovations they have been a part of, and the
power of the American dream; and

WHEREAS, Confer Plastics was established by Ray Confer, who worked
in Norton Laboratories in Lockport, New York, after World War II as it
was dabbling in plastic products, such as the first plastic cameras,
handles for pots and pans, and kitchenware; he and Peter Sherman then
decided to start their own company using the blow mold method, Air Mold
Plastics; and

WHEREAS, Ray Confer and his partner invented the living hinge, which
is the plastic hinge that goes between the two halves of a plastic
toolbox or tackle box; after that company closed in the mid-1960s, Ray
started another company, Airlock Plastics, followed by Confer Plastics
in 1973; and

WHEREAS, From 1973-1986, Confer Plastics had rented space out of the
former Roblin Steel plant in North Tonawanda before moving to its
current site at 97 Witmer Road; in 2005, the Confers purchased its
distribution facility along Liberty Drive in Wheatfield, New York; and

WHEREAS, Sold throughout the United States and Canada, Confer
Plastics' plastic products range from kayaks, docks, sleds, birdhouses,
skating rinks, pool steps, mannequins and a wide array of other products
focused on outdoor leisure; and

WHEREAS, In 1993, Confer Plastics started using large molding
machines which are atypical for the industry; these machines can drop

100 or 150 pounds of plastic and make parts that can be as long as 15
feet; and

WHEREAS, The plastic used to make these products is made out of
natural gas and comes from manufacturers in Pittsburgh, Texas, and
Louisiana; in an average 24-hour period, the facilities can produce
around 330 swimming pool ladders and 300 to 350 kayaks; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, Confer Plastics has been proudly run
by the Confer family; today, under the luminous leadership of President
Bob Confer and CEO Doug Confer, this community-minded business employs
180 people working across three shifts, 41 of whom have been with the
company for 20 years or more; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Confer Plastics will
continue to focus on its core competencies of the pool, spa, and outdoor
leisure industries, and do custom work for anyone; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business and its contributions to the
local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Confer Plastics Inc. in North
Tonawanda, New York, on January 22, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bob Confer, President, and Doug Confer, CEO, Confer
Plastics Inc.