Expansion to Create 35 Jobs and Expand Production in Western NY
Expansion Made Possible By An Allocation of 400 Kilowatts of Low-Cost Hydropower from the New York Power Authority
New York – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a more than $3 million expansion of Confer Plastics, a molded plastics product company located in North Tonawanda, Niagara County. The investment allows the firm to create 35 new jobs and significantly expand production in Western New York.
“The expansion of Confer Plastics will create jobs, further strengthen Western New York’s vitally important manufacturing sector and add even more momentum to this region’s economic renaissance,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is great news for North Tonawanda and yet one more reason why Western New York is a region on the move.”
The Western New York manufacturer’s expansion involved the purchase and installation of a large specialty plastic molding machine that will allow the firm to produce more kayaks, hot tubs and swimming pool products to meet growing demands from its customers. Confer Plastics is also a customer of the ReCharge NY program, which is currently supporting more than 371,000 jobs throughout the state.
“As a Western New Yorker, it makes me proud to see a third generation family-owned business like Confer Plastics investing in the community we call home,” said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. “Governor Cuomo’s commitment to programs like ReCharge NY provides businesses the extra energy they need to fuel their success, paving the way for them to expand operations and create more jobs.”
In addition to the hydropower allocation tied to this expansion, Confer Plastics also receives from NYPA an additional 300 kW of hydropower and 420 kW of ReCharge NY power. Those allocations are tied to the retention of roughly 160 jobs at the facility.
View video footage of the Confer Plastics expansion, with interviews, here: https://youtu.be/pNinxS44-0U.
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said, “The Niagara Power Project is a cornerstone for economic development in Western New York. Confer Plastics’ decision to add staff and expand production is a great sign of economic growth in the region.”
Bob Confer, vice president of Confer Plastics, said, “The reduced energy costs from the NYPA power have granted us the opportunity to reinvest in our operation and expand by acquiring one of the largest blow molding machines in the world. NYPA power gives us cost certainties and savings that are absolutely necessary when competing against manufacturers in a global marketplace. I want to extend my thanks to Governor Cuomo and the New York Power Authority for providing such a tangible benefit to our business and my coworkers.”
Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello said, “I’m proud to see an investment from the New York Power Authority being made into one of the great businesses we have located in our community. It is encouraging to see the revenue generated by NYPA’s Niagara Power Project remain in the region and create more opportunity for our district’s residents. I’m hopeful that this is the beginning of a trend, and as the sales and success of Confer Plastics continue to increase, so will the number of jobs created.”
City of North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas said, “This is exceptional news to hear from an economic stand point for both Confer Plastics, and in kind, the City of North Tonawanda. Any municipality would wish for such a broad expansion of business, both large and small. Every little bit helps, but what Mr. Quiniones and NYPA have done to boost Confer Plastics in such a way must be applauded. The many people affected in this positive way, I’m sure, are very grateful to see such a relieving gesture. Confer Plastics has been a long standing business in our community and with this expansion making them unique in the plastics world, we wish them continued success.”
Low-cost Niagara hydropower is reserved for companies within a 30-mile radius of the Niagara power plant or for businesses in Chautauqua County. The hydropower is linked to tens of thousands of existing jobs.
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