Starmark’s Story
Starmark: A Legacy of Innovation, Rooted in Care.
Starmark was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that families deserve dignified, meaningful options — especially in life’s most difficult moments. That belief has carried us from our origins to becoming the leading manufacturer of cremation and funeral products across North America.
Our parent company, Vandor, was established in Indiana in 1968 and took its name in 1972 when Bruce Elder, a visionary businessman, rebranded the company after his parents, Vance and Doris. In the 1960s, Vandor began in Detroit, Michigan with the Bruce Casket Company. Thinking long term, Bruce made the pivotal decision to relocate the business to Indiana — a move that planted deep roots in the community and laid the foundation for decades of growth.
Vandor flourished into a dynamic, multi-division company serving customers in funeral service, wire and cable makers, and automotive assemblers. Yet through it all, one thing has remained constant: a steadfast commitment to people — our employees, our customers, and the families they serve. Out of that commitment, Starmark was born.
Multifamily Company
Founded in 1933
Headquartered in Indiana
Since 1968
Over 950,000 Square Feet
Manufacturing and Distribution Space
80+ Patents
and Patents Pending
Multifamily Company
Founded in 1933
Headquartered in Indiana
Since 1968
Over 950,000 Square Feet
Manufacturing and Distribution Space
80+ Patents
and Patents Pending
With deep roots in funeral service and early innovations such as the original Elderlite® corrugated fiberboard casket and Elder Davis's first water based environmentally sensitive stains for hardwood caskets, the founding Team at Starmark brought decades of experience to a rapidly evolving landscape. They recognized the growing need for affordable, well designed funeral products that honored both traditional and modern values and set out to created them.
Today, Starmark operates over 950,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space across North America. We produce a full range of funeral brands— from Goliath™ Oversize and Elderlite® Cloth Covered to CJ Boots Signature Hardwoods, Chateau Urns, Nature’s Way® Green Funeral Line, AMA Containers, Artisan™ Containers, and many other partnered brands, all unified by a common mission: helping funeral professionals succeed in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Our products are available nationwide through direct partnerships with funeral homes and crematories, as well as trusted distributors.
The heart of Starmark is innovation and empathy. Led by a marketing and R&D team that understands both industry trends and emotional impact, we're committed to evolving alongside the families we serve. Whether through design, materials, or distribution, Starmark builds solutions that meet the moment with compassion, clarity and care.
Starmark Sensible Solutions for Funeral Professionals. Designed for today. Leading for tomorrow.
Focused: Our
customers come first.
We focus on quality, on-time delivery, and a fair price structure to maximize value and exceed Customer requirements and expectations.
Mindful: We focus on the big picture but dont overloook the details.
We keep things running smoothly and processes simple and efficient, allowing us to focus on overall success and long-term business health.We continuously improve through flexible partnerships with suppliers and customers to design new solutions focused on high quality at a low cost.
Grateful: Our People are the key to our success.
We are grateful for our incredibly talented and diverse team and invest in each Team Members continued success and safety. We hold each other accountable to grow and provide opportunities to engage, add perspective and lead, regardless of title.
Conscientious: We uphold Vandor Virtue.
We expect every member of our Team to act with integrity and professionalism, treating others with respect. We take pride in doing things right the first time and never sacrifice quality to meet delivery needs or reduce costs. We believe in a business relationship that provides value to all.
Focused: Our
customers come first.
We focus on quality, on-time delivery, and a fair price structure to maximize value and exceed Customer requirements and expectations.
Mindful: We focus on the big picture but dont overloook the details.
We keep things running smoothly and processes simple and efficient, allowing us to focus on overall success and long-term business health.We continuously improve through flexible partnerships with suppliers and customers to design new solutions focused on high quality at a low cost.
Grateful: Our People are the key to our success.
We are grateful for our incredibly talented and diverse team and invest in each Team Members continued success and safety. We hold each other accountable to grow and provide opportunities to engage, add perspective and lead, regardless of title.
Conscientious: We uphold Vandor Virtue.
We expect every member of our Team to act with integrity and professionalism, treating others with respect. We take pride in doing things right the first time and never sacrifice quality to meet delivery needs or reduce costs. We believe in a business relationship that provides value to all.
Starmark Local Expansion
Created to better serve funeral professionals in their own communities, Starmark Local routes is our white-glove delivery service that brings quality and care directly to your door. Since 2021, our dedicated team has driven Starmark’s own fleet —rain or shine—to ensure that firms receives exactly what it needs, when it needs it. With consistent weekly deliveries and a personal touch, Starmark Local makes access to Starmark’s trusted, high-quality funeral products more convenient, dependable, and personal than ever before.
