For icon Jackson, an iconic casket
An Indiana company took center stage at pop superstar Michael Jackson's funeral Tuesday with a product no one could possibly miss: a gleaming golden casket, shined to a mirror finish.
Batesville Casket Co., the world's largest maker of caskets, provided the luxurious Promethean model, which traditionally comes with a deep-blue velvet interior.
Like Jackson, the casket was extravagant and showy. And it was front and center at Jackson's service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, which millions watched live on television.
But like a low-key funeral provider that prefers to remain behind the scenes, the company modestly confirmed the news without actually doing so.
"We never discuss any particular business transaction, but based on the images we saw on television, it appears to be a Promethean," said Teresa Gyulafia, a Batesville spokeswoman.
She declined to reveal whether the casket had unique, custom-built features or to disclose the price. Various funeral homes list the Promethean at $25,000 to $30,000 on their Web sites.
Batesville is no stranger to high-profile funerals. Over the years, it provided the caskets for Presidents Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, John Kennedy and Harry Truman. Other celebrities buried in Batesville caskets have included Bob Hope, Wilt Chamberlain, Farrah Fawcett and Fred Astaire.
Three years ago, the company provided a Promethean casket, similar to the one for Jackson, for soul singer James Brown.
Batesville Casket is one of the largest companies in the small town of Batesville, about 70 miles southeast of Indianapolis. It sells caskets and related products through a direct sales force in the U.S., Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.
The company began in 1884 when furniture craftsmen and cabinetmakers started building caskets in Batesville.
But in recent years, the operation has been struggling as more people choose cremation over casket burials. Revenues of parent company Hillenbrand fell 11 percent in the three months ending March 31, to $170.8 million. The company has lowered its outlook for fiscal 2009, citing weak casket demand.
But it had a shining moment at Jackson's funeral.
Recent comments
Doesn't matter how nice a casket is once it's 6 feet under.
Jun | July 9, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.
No picture?
missed opportunity | July 9, 2009 at 3:42 p.m.
- $25K reward offered in slaying 6:21 p.m.
- Salem step-father arrested in abuse 6:16 p.m.
- S.L. Dems appoint exec. director 6:15 p.m.
- Animal-rights protest issues resolved 6:12 p.m.
- Ex-legislators call for ethics reform 6:06 p.m.
- S.L. will light up for the holidays 6:00 p.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 5:55 p.m.
- Driver who died in accident identified 5:47 p.m.
- Woman describes stabbing, killing 5:43 p.m.
- Ogden postmaster retires 5:41 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- Boys basketball rankings
- Utes' Wynn in for awakening
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
222 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
221 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
177 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
135 - BYU records with win
132 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
111 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
104
Comedian Brian Regan, who is scheduled to perform at Abravanel Hall on...
Game Crazy is the nation's second largest video game retailer and they...
People Eating Tasty Animals!!!!!!
I caught that as well,they can't afford the cost of extra law enforcement but...
I agree- it would be great to have the boys' basketball 2008-09 all-state...
I am a supporter, not a hater but if this is the best team in the MLS, how...
So many of the conservatives posting here in support of Palin are just so...
We have a president who was elected without significant credentials or...
Go Cats!!! Congratulations to Z. Burton & the team
on the field. Leave the play there, and root for your team. Keep your hands...
Mini Pizza Stone to use for everything in the toaster oven! Couldnt do...
A couple things straights should know about LGBT pride marches and festivals,...


