100 Face Layoffs At Batesville Casket Company

Monday, January 16, 2012 at 6:29 AM

(Batesville, Ind.) - Cutbacks and layoffs are coming to one of southeast Indiana’s largest employers.

Batesville Casket Company is eliminating its second shift at the Doll Plant in Batesville, equating to about a nine percent reduction, or 100 people.

The downsizing begins in March a company spokesperson said. Workers were notified on Friday.

“We’re committed to minimizing the impact to these associates as much as we can in this situation by providing each affected employee with a financial support package and placement assistance,” said company communications manager Shari Morey.

Batesville Casket will hire a few more people at a plant it has in Manchester, Tennessee. However, the company will see a net loss of two percent of its North American workforce.

A company spokesperson said the move is because of current market conditions and demand for certain products.

Despite the cuts, Batesville Casket said the Doll Plant will continue to be an important part of the company.

“It’s never easy to make a decision like this, and we will support our associates throughout the process to help make the transition as smooth as possible. As longstanding members of the Batesville community, we’ll continue to make investments in our manufacturing facilities and in innovative, growth-oriented products and services that give families more ways to honor their loved ones,” said Batesville Casket Company president Kim Dennis.