Confer Plastics, one of the most established manufacturers serving the pool and spa industry, is moving forward with a 30,000-square-foot warehouse expansion at its Wheatfield, N.Y., facility. The project, now under town review, is designed to support the company’s rising production volume across pool, spa, and outdoor living categories — as well as the continued growth of its emerging direct-to-consumer business.

Company president Bob Confer confirmed that the new warehouse space at 2107 Liberty Drive will help accommodate increased demand for core products such as pool ladders, steps, hot tub cabinets, and other blow-molded components widely used across the aquatics market.

“We’re also expanding to accommodate our direct-to-consumer business, which is a relatively new endeavor for us,” he wrote in an email. “In 2023, we developed online channels for snow sleds and patio furniture. Our initial success has been pretty decent, so we expect the future for those products, and more to come, to be bright.”

The project contractor, Tedesco Construction Services, has previously overseen multiple expansion efforts for Confer at its primary manufacturing plant on Witmer Road in North Tonawanda. That facility houses some of the largest blow molding machines in the world, including a 15-foot-tall unit capable of handling 145 pounds of material at a time. The company’s capabilities extend far beyond aquatics: Confer also manufactures items for stadium seating, medical devices, kayaks, mannequins, trash receptacles, and more.

While the Wheatfield expansion will not directly add new jobs at that location, Confer noted that the increased warehouse capacity “could lead to a handful of jobs” at the main North Tonawanda plant. Additional storage effectively boosts manufacturing throughput, allowing the company to run molding machines more efficiently and increase overall production cycles.

Founded in 1973, Confer Plastics has grown to a 195-employee operation and remains one of Western New York’s most enduring manufacturers within the pool and spa sector. The warehouse expansion underscores the company’s commitment to supporting its dealer network, OEM partners, and consumers as demand for outdoor living products remains strong.

Featured Photo Credit: Confer Plastics

JED Pool Tools, manufacturer of swimming pool maintenance equipment and accessories, was pleased to recently receive a ‘Customer Excellence Award’ from Estes Freight company, the largest privately held freight transportation company in North America. This award recognizes customers that demonstrate strong shipment values, revenue growth, and foster a collaborative relationship. This award celebrates a few select customers for outstanding engagement, enabling a strategic partnership, and committing to mutual success.

“We’re pleased to earn such high recognition from a leader like Estes,” said Glenn Jonelunas Manager of Warehouse Operations at JED Pool Tools. “We’re honored to be recognized for this award, which is a reflection of the well-established and trusted partnership we’ve built together.”

The Estes Customer Excellence Award was created to recognize and celebrate customers who exemplify outstanding collaboration, commitment and service.  Estes presented JED Pool Tools with a celebratory cake and plaque.  

About JED Pool Tools

JED Pool Tools has been making high-quality pool tools and pool accessories in the USA for 30 years. JED Pool Tools sells over 400 different products including residential and commercial skimmers, leaf rakes, poles, wall brushes and vacuum heads as well as hoses and through-wall skimmer parts.  JED is a family-run company with 3-generations of Heyen family working for the company and is committed to creating and providing jobs for residents of Scranton, PA. JED isproud of and committed to manufacturing in the USA, many it its own facility in Scranton, PA. To learn more about the company and its products visit www.JEDPoolTools.com.

About Estes

Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its more than 300 North American terminals and nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, as well as its fleet of more than 10,500 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America’s freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 24,000 employees.  To learn more about Estes visit www.estes-express.com.

(Chesterfield, UK) – Superior Wellness, a global leader in hot tubs, swim spas, and wellness products, is delighted to announce the appointment of three new AquaSolus Sales Managers as the brand continues its rapid expansion across North America. The announcement comes at an exciting time, as AquaSolus debuted its brand-new Series 3, a striking evolution in design, innovation, and performance at the PSP/Deck Expo in Las Vegas last week.

Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director, Superior Wellness said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dave, Ray, and Joe – our new AquaSolus Sales Managers to the Superior Wellness family. Each brings decades of industry knowledge, trusted dealer relationships, and a shared passion for wellness. Their arrival strengthens our commitment to providing outstanding support to our growing dealer network.”

The investment in three experienced Sales Managers in the United States reflects Superior Wellness’ continued commitment to growth in the North American market across their portfolio of brands, such as Platinum Spas, Chill Tubs, and of course, AquaSolus. This growth aligns with the company’s vision to become the world’s biggest hot tub brand.

Dave Henderson joins Superior Wellness as AquaSolus Sales Manager, bringing over three decades of experience in the pool and spa industry, including eight years as a Regional Manager in the spa business.

Before joining Superior Wellness, Dave served as Regional Manager at Bullfrog Spas, where he managed relationships with over 100 dealers. His impressive career also includes regional management roles with Jacuzzi Hot Tubs (JHT) and Bullfrog Spas (BFS). As Corporate Trainer at BFS, Dave designed both online and in-person training programs and served as a respected presenter at national dealer events. His deep product knowledge and dealer-focused approach make him a valuable asset to the AquaSolus team.

Dave Henderson, Regional Manager, AquaSolus said, “I am thrilled to be representing the AquaSolus line with a company that shares my passion for innovation and quality.”

Joining the team as AquaSolus Sales Manager, Ray Pritchett brings a wealth of experience, with 30 years in the hot tub industry. Ray’s diverse background includes 20 years as a Regional Manager, five years as the owner of a service and warranty company, and five years in retail spa sales.

Most recently, Ray held the position of Regional Manager at Bullfrog Spas, where he developed strong dealer relationships and a proven track record of driving growth. His hands-on experience across multiple facets of the spa business, from retail to after-sales service, provides a well-rounded perspective that will greatly benefit AquaSolus partners and customers alike.

RayPritchett, sales manager at AquaSolus said, “I am excited to join Superior Wellness and represent our new AquaSolus spas. From the moment I first saw AquaSolus I knew I wanted to sell them. I am honoured to represent a global company that makes affordable, luxurious, and reliable spas.”

Joe Sullivan joins Superior Wellness as AquaSolus Sales Manager, bringing extensive sales and business development experience within the spa and wellness industry. Throughout his career, Joe has held progressive sales, management, and leadership roles with several of the most recognized brands in the market, driving growth, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.

His background includes leadership positions such as: Regional Sales Manager for Sundance Spas & Jacuzzi Spas; Director of Partner Development at Bullfrog Spas; and VP of Sales and Marketing at Jacuzzi Brands, Sunrise Spas & Dream Maker Spas. Most recently, he served as U.S. Head of Sales for PurSpas & Innova Spas, overseeing national sales performance and brand development.

Known for his collaborative leadership and strategic approach, Joe brings a passionate blend of retail, training, and executive experience to AquaSolus. His focus on dealer relationships, team motivation, and performance-driven results makes him a key addition to the growing North American sales team.

Joe Sullivan, sales manager at AquaSolus said, “I’m excited to share that I’ve joined Superior Wellness, helping launch our new premium brand, AquaSolus. This brand represents where wellness meets innovation—and reminds us that what we build on tomorrow starts with what we do today!”

The addition of these new team members marks another major milestone in Superior Wellness’ North American expansion, ensuring the premium AquaSolus brand continues to thrive in key markets.

Visit Superior Wellness and AquaSolus to discover the latest in spa and wellness innovation.

Contact
For further information, please contact Beth Hibbert via [email protected]

About Superior Wellness
Superior Wellness is a global leader in hot tubs, swim spas, and wellness products, headquartered in Chesterfield, UK. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer care, the company partners with a network of global dealers to make wellness accessible to everyone.

About AquaSolus
AquaSolus is a premium spa brand by Superior Wellness, combining advanced hydrotherapy, cutting-edge design, and energy-efficient technology to deliver the ultimate wellness experience. Engineered for both performance and comfort, AquaSolus spas are built to the highest standards and designed to enhance every aspect of relaxation and recovery. With its growing presence across North America, AquaSolus continues to redefine modern wellness through innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence.