From a press release.
In an unprecedented achievement, Batesville has received the top scores in all three categories of performance – Product Quality, Service, and Innovation – for the third consecutive year in the Funeral Service Insider (FSI) casket survey, published by Kates-Boylston. This annual survey covers a wide range of subjects that are important to today’s funeral professionals, from selection rooms to discounts, pricing strategies, and cremation rates.
“We’re truly honored to be recognized by the professionals we’re privileged to serve every day, and grateful to the dedicated associates whose relentless pursuit of excellence makes this possible,” said Troy Turner, chief marketing and information officer for Batesville. “This is an affirmation that we’re focused on the things that matter to our funeral home customers and that add value to families in their journey through grief.”
Batesville’s legacy of manufacturing excellence is also noted by experts outside of funeral service. All of the company’s plants have been recognized as winners or finalists in the Industry Week Best Plants of North America competition, alongside some of the world’s leading automotive, defense, medical, electronics, and other industrial manufacturers. Batesville is the only casket company to achieve this status, and one of only a few companies that has repeat wins.
The funeral service industry demands consistency and a high degree of responsiveness in serving customers. “Service is one of the most important measures that differentiate a supplier from a partner,” says Turner. “Batesville’s infrastructure is designed to allow us to get the right product to the right place at the right time. But it is the ‘get-it-right-the-first-time’ mentality embraced by Batesville associates that elevates service to a higher level.”
Innovation is another hallmark of Batesville that dates back to the company’s early years, and that continues to distinguish it today. “Innovation is an attitude that is intrinsic to our culture, and more important than ever,” says Turner. “It allows us to see beyond our challenges and limitations and uncover new and better ways to deliver value to funeral directors and families.”
In this year’s survey, 86% of respondents cited Batesville as the leader in product innovation. One of the specific innovations noted is the company’s authentic Barnwood casket, which is made of untreated, reclaimed lumber. Launched in 2015, this product has quickly become a family favorite in both urban and rural areas of the country.
This year’s survey includes responses from 400 funeral professionals, representing firms of all types and sizes across the country. Funeral Service Insider is a weekly subscription-based publication that covers the latest industry news, market trends and business-building tips and guidance.