Our Company - History, Values & Mission

Who we are

Founded in 1884 as the Batesville Coffin Company, Batesville was purchased by John A. Hillenbrand in 1906, when it became the Batesville Casket Company.

Over the years, we’ve fulfilled Hillenbrand’s vision to create the finest funeral products. Today, Batesville is a trusted leading provider of quality products and business solutions in the death care industry, offering the widest selection of burial and cremation products, memorial keepsakes and business and technology solutions that meet the changing needs of families and licensed funeral professionals across North America.

VIEW PRODUCTS

A true partner

Batesville is committed to creating products that help families find healing and build a stronger future for funeral professionals and the death care industry. We do this by providing:

Understanding

We help funeral professionals meet the needs of families experiencing a loss and start them on the path to healing.

Innovation

We deliver innovative products and solutions that make a difference in the lives of families and matter to the funeral industry.

More ways to honor lives

We create opportunities to help families understand the value of meaningful funerals and honoring their loved ones with a personalized tribute.

A purpose-driven mission

We help families honor the lives of those they love® in everything we do, from our products and services to our deep connections and partnerships with the funeral industry.

HONORING LIVES

A legacy of excellence

Our history of manufacturing excellence, product innovation, superior customer service, and reliable distribution spans more than a century. Our passion has never been stronger to lead the industry with positive changes that enhance funeral service.

Batesville Coffin Company is founded in Batesville, Indiana.

1884
John A. Hillenbrand purchases Batesville Coffin Company and changes its name to Batesville Casket Company.

1906
Batesville begins manufacturing metal caskets.

1918
Continuing to innovate in casket design, the company introduces the original gasketed casket and first safety-sealed hardware.

1940
The Memorial Record^® system allows caskets to be sensitively identified after disaster.

1954
Continuing innovation in casket design, Batesville introduces the lift/tilt adjustable bed.

1957
Swing bar hardware is introduced on Batesville caskets.

1964
The first embroidered designs for casket interiors are created and launched, lending a more personal touch to Batesville caskets.

1967
First nationwide distribution system, allowing the fast, reliable delivery across the country.

1973
The company starts its Living Memorial^® program. Since then, more than 14.5 million trees have been planted under this program.

1976
Recognizing a shift in consumer trends, Batesville launches fully tested and warranted oversize caskets.

1986
Plush casket interiors are introduced for the first time.

1990
Batesville releases the FailSafe^® liner for metal caskets.

1991
The company launches its Options® cremation line.

1993
As part of an increasing focus on personalization, LifeSymbols^® corners are introduced.

1995
Batesville introduces the MemorySafe® drawer as a customization option.

1996
Dimensions^® by Batesville is introduced to serve the oversize and plus size casket market.

2004
LifeStories^® caskets and medallions are added to the product offering, increasing the range of options for personalizing Batesville caskets.

2009
Expanded technology platforms offer complete business solutions to the industry.

2012
A flexible dual overlay is introduced, marking a continued focus on innovation and personalization.

2013
LifeStories^® Image Medallion - enhancing personalization by using personal photos of a consumers loved one.

2018
Batesville Connect™, a new online e-commerce experience for funeral directors, is introduced.

2022
Batesville is acquired by LongRange capital and starts new chapter of growth.

2023
Batesville launches the Marsellus® 410 Forever Honored™ Collection.

2024
Batesville acquires Halcyon Deathcare Management Solutions.

2024
Batesville introduces the AI Assistant to simplify the process of posting an obituary to Batesville-built websites.

2024
Batesville launches Family Choices® Digital Showroom - a next-generation digital solution.

2024