Batesville Casket Company, a subsidiary of Hillenbrand Inc., on May 8 announced that members of the United Steelworkers of America Local 525U have ratified a four-year labor contract with the company. Effective until May 2012, the contract covers workers at the company's manufacturing facilities in Batesville, Ind.
"We have a long history of developing excellent labor relations, and we are always focused on reaching agreements that are good for our customers, good for our associates and good for our shareholders," said Doug Kunkel, vice president of Batesville Casket Company's global product supply chain. "This agreement provides us with the competitive wage and benefit package we need to continue to attract and retain the most skilled workers in the industry, while ensuring we continue to have the flexibility to meet the increasing demands placed on our business. Additionally, the four-year term provides a level of stability for both our associates and the customers served by this location."
Hillenbrand Inc. is the holding company for Batesville Casket Company, a leader in the North American death care industry through the manufacture, distribution and sale of funeral service products to licensed funeral establishments. Batesville sells primarily burial caskets, but also provides cremation caskets, containers and urns, and selection room display fixturing for funeral establishments.
