The Early Years of Batesville Casket Company
Batesville Casket Company got its start in 1906 when John A. Hillenbrand rescued a small town coffin manufacturing company from insolvency. In business as the Batesville Coffin Company since 1884, the company had been producing hand-crafted wooden coffins with ornate engravings designed by furniture and cabinet makers. Hillenbrand changed the name to Batesville Casket Company, marking the first of many innovative changes that would eventually establish the company as the industry leader.

Under Hillenbrand’s leadership, the company began to craft high quality coffins and caskets from the finest hardwoods available. He invested in the most modern woodworking machinery and built a power plant to supply the factory with the necessary energy to meet production requirements. Customer loyalty soon followed Batesville’s reputation for superior quality, reliable delivery, and a wide array of sought-after products. As funeral directors in expanding territories began to call, customer service became an integral focus of Hillenbrand’s plan for Batesville — a business plan that continues to set the company and its products apart from others in the industry.

While John A. Hillenbrand established Batesville Casket Company, it was his sons who advanced his dream. His eldest son, John W. Hillenbrand, assumed responsibility for business, marketing and financial development. A younger son, George C. Hillenbrand, guided the company’s technological and creative development. His expertise advanced automation in the factories, making them more efficient and cost effective. He also convinced his family to look beyond their own expertise to bring in top engineers, research and development specialists. And, he had an innate sense of his grandfather’s vision of understanding the needs and wants of the consumer and seeing to it that Batesville translated them into solutions.

At this point, in 1918, Batesville entered into the era of making metal caskets. Batesville retooled and dropped most wood production to produce innovative metal caskets that featured different designs, shell shapes, finishing and types of interiors. This new era brought continued distinction by providing products that went well beyond the expectations of both families and funeral homes. Superior quality and innovative design became the signature of Batesville Casket Company.