The Complete Guide to The Dodge Company: Overview & Key Facts
Understanding The Dodge Company: America's Premier Funeral Supply Leader
The Dodge Company is the largest supplier of embalming chemicals and cosmetics in North America, serving funeral homes, crematories, and cemeteries with comprehensive preparation room supplies since 1893.
Although both firms serve funeral professionals, The Dodge Company focuses on chemicals and preparation‐room consumables, whereas American Mortuary Coolers engineers refrigeration systems. We view Dodge as a complementary partner rather than a direct competitor.
Quick Facts About The Dodge Company:
- Founded: 1893 by A. Johnson Dodge in Boston
- Industry Position: Largest North American embalming chemical supplier
- Recent News: Acquired by Matthews International for $57 million in May 2025
- Headquarters: Billerica, MA with locations in Fort Worth, TX and Fontana, CA
- Product Range: Embalming chemicals, instruments, urns, cosmetics, and aftercare products
- Key Innovation: First to introduce formaldehyde-free embalming fluids
- Training: Offers technical seminars, field-based instruction, and quarterly magazine
Many funeral directors know The Dodge Company for their reliable embalming chemicals and comprehensive product line. But this 132-year-old family business has evolved far beyond its original chemical formulations to become a full-service partner for funeral professionals.
The company's journey from a small Boston operation to North America's dominant funeral supply company reflects both innovation and dedication to the industry. Their recent acquisition by Matthews International represents a new chapter while maintaining the customer service standards that built their reputation.
The Dodge Company at a Glance
When you think about funeral supplies in North America, the Dodge Company is the name that comes up first. For over 130 years, they've been the go-to source for everything funeral homes need, from embalming chemicals to digital tools.
What started as a small family business in Boston has grown into something remarkable. The Dodge Company now serves thousands of funeral homes across the continent, and their story got more interesting in May 2025 when Matthews International acquired them for $57 million.
This wasn't just any business deal. Matthews International brings serious resources - they've got over 5,400 employees working across 19 countries on four continents. For the Dodge Company, this means keeping their family-owned approach while gaining the muscle to serve more funeral professionals worldwide.
The company operates from three main locations: their headquarters in Billerica, Massachusetts, plus facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and Fontana, California. With a team of 51-200 dedicated professionals, they've built something that goes beyond just selling embalming chemicals.
They're famous for their embalming fluids and cosmetics, but the Dodge Company also supplies instruments, urns, aftercare products, and even helps funeral homes with website design. It's like having a one-stop shop that actually understands your business.
How the dodge company Became an Industry Icon
The story begins with A. Johnson Dodge, who saw a real problem back in 1893. Funeral homes were struggling with inconsistent preservation methods, and families deserved better. So he set up shop in Boston and got to work creating reliable, scientifically-backed embalming solutions.
The game changed in 1926 when the Dodge Company hired their first research chemist. This wasn't common back then - most suppliers just mixed chemicals and hoped for the best. But Dodge understood that funeral service deserved real science behind it.
By the 1950s, they launched their technical seminars. Instead of just selling products and walking away, the Dodge Company started teaching funeral professionals how to get the best results. These seminars are still running today, having trained thousands of embalmers and funeral directors over the decades.
The company's latest breakthrough came with their formaldehyde-free embalming products. This addresses real health concerns that funeral professionals face every day while still delivering the preservation quality families expect. Learn more about how they're making embalming safer without compromising results.
Why the dodge company Continues to Lead
What sets the Dodge Company apart isn't just their products - it's how they think about serving funeral professionals. While other suppliers focus on manufacturing, Dodge builds tools and support systems that make daily work easier.
Take their arterial solution calculator app. This isn't some fancy gadget nobody asked for. It's a practical tool that helps embalmers calculate exact fluid ratios, which means less waste and better outcomes. It's the kind of innovation that shows the Dodge Company actually listens to what funeral professionals need.
Their global distributor network means you can get Dodge products pretty much anywhere, but it's their customer service representatives that really make the difference. Ask anyone in the industry, and they'll tell you Dodge sales reps are genuinely helpful. They're not just trying to make a sale - they want to solve your problems.
The company's commitment to education continues through their technical support and resources. More info about embalming science shows how the Dodge Company keeps pushing the industry forward by sharing knowledge and advancing professional standards.
It's this combination of innovation, education, and genuine customer care that keeps the Dodge Company at the top of the funeral supply industry after more than a century in business.
Evolution & Milestones: 1893 – 2025
The dodge company's remarkable 132-year journey mirrors the entire evolution of American funeral service. What started as A. Johnson Dodge's small chemical operation in Boston has grown into the continent's most trusted name in embalming supplies.
The early decades were about building a solid foundation. By the 1920s, the dodge company was thinking differently than their competitors. While others focused purely on manufacturing, Dodge hired their first research chemist in 1926. This wasn't just about making products – it was about understanding the science behind preservation.
The 1950s brought another game-changing decision: technical seminars. The dodge company realized that great products meant nothing without proper education. These seminars became legendary in the industry, training thousands of funeral professionals over the decades.
International expansion came in 1986 when the dodge company opened their UK branch in Whitchurch, Hampshire. This showed their commitment to serving funeral professionals wherever they practiced their craft.
Throughout these decades, the dodge company never forgot their educational mission. Their quarterly magazine became required reading for funeral professionals, covering everything from new embalming techniques to industry trends.
Community involvement has always been close to the dodge company's heart. Their partnership with Wreaths Across America operates in all 50 states, honoring military veterans and supporting patriotic causes. This goes beyond business – it's about giving back to communities that have supported them for over a century.
The biggest change in company history came in 2025 with the $57 million acquisition by Matthews International. This represents a new chapter while keeping everything customers love about the Dodge experience.
Key Historical Highlights
The dodge company has always stepped up during America's most challenging times. During World War I, their preservation expertise supported military operations, helping ensure fallen soldiers could be properly returned to their families.
World War II brought massive supply chain disruptions that would have crushed smaller companies. The dodge company not only survived but thrived, learning valuable lessons about logistics and reliability that still benefit customers today.
The expansion of technical seminars beyond the original 1950s programs shows how the dodge company grew with the industry. What started as basic product training evolved into comprehensive educational experiences covering embalming science, restorative art, and business practices.
Going digital was another smart move. The dodge company's digital storefront launch made their entire catalog available 24/7, while maintaining those personal relationships that make them special.
The Dodge app release represents their latest innovation – putting powerful arterial solution calculators right in embalmers' pockets. It's the kind of practical tool that shows the dodge company understands the daily challenges funeral professionals face.
Acquisition by Matthews International
The $57 million acquisition by Matthews International creates exciting possibilities while keeping everything customers love about Dodge. Matthews' existing memorialization business – caskets, cremation equipment, and memorial products – fits perfectly with the dodge company's chemical and supply expertise.
Customer impact has been carefully managed. Existing ordering processes remain exactly the same, and customers keep working with their trusted Dodge sales reps and customer service team. This continuity matters enormously in an industry built on relationships.
Leadership continuity was a top priority throughout the acquisition. Key Dodge personnel stayed in their positions, preserving decades of institutional knowledge and maintaining customer relationships that took years to build. Matthews acquisition details provide more information about the strategic vision and integration plans.
The acquisition positions the dodge company within Matthews' broader death care ecosystem. This means customers eventually get access to more products and services under one roof, while still getting the specialized expertise that made Dodge successful. It's the best of both worlds – expanded capabilities with the same trusted service.
Products, Services & Innovations
When you think of the dodge company, embalming chemicals probably come to mind first. But this industry leader has grown far beyond their original chemical formulations to become a one-stop shop for funeral professionals.
Their product line reads like a complete funeral home inventory. Embalming fluids anchor their offerings, with specialized formulations for every type of case you might encounter. Cavity chemicals handle the thorough preservation work that sets professionals apart from amateurs.
But the dodge company doesn't stop at chemicals. Their instrument selection ranges from basic embalming tools to sophisticated hydraulic equipment that makes the physical demands of funeral service more manageable. They've even expanded into urns and aftercare materials, helping funeral homes serve families through the entire process.
Perhaps most impressive is their move into website design services. It shows how the dodge company thinks about their customers' success beyond just the preparation room. They understand that modern funeral homes need digital presence as much as quality embalming supplies.
The real game-changer came with their formaldehyde-free embalming fluids. This wasn't just tweaking an existing formula – it required years of research and development. The innovation addresses real health concerns while maintaining the preservation standards funeral directors demand.
Their smart app technology puts calculation tools right in your pocket. No more guessing at fluid ratios or doing math on paper towels. A Practical Guide to Embalming Instruments shows how modern tools are changing traditional embalming practices.
Chemical Lines & Equipment
The dodge company's chemical formulations represent more than a century of refinement. Their Freedom Art line broke new ground as a formaldehyde-free arterial solution that doesn't compromise on preservation quality. This wasn't an easy achievement – it took significant investment in research to create something truly different.
Syn-Cav has become the go-to choice for embalmers sensitive to traditional chemical fumes. It delivers full preservation capabilities without the discomfort that can make long days in the preparation room unbearable. The formulation shows how the dodge company balances effectiveness with user comfort.
For challenging cases, Edemaco addresses the specific problems that come with edematous conditions. These specialized solutions improve fluid distribution and drainage when standard approaches fall short. It's the kind of targeted innovation that comes from listening to what embalmers actually face.
Their equipment side includes hydraulic hoists, stretchers, and specialized carts designed specifically for mortuary environments. These aren't just generic medical equipment – they're built for the unique demands of funeral service work.
DodgeSorb absorbent products handle the practical challenges of case preparation and transportation. The Adult Cremation Pouch combined with DodgeSorb can absorb up to a gallon of fluid, solving real problems with neat simplicity.
Commitment to R&D
The dodge company's research and development investment sets them apart from suppliers who just manufacture and ship. Their in-house chemists work continuously on formula improvements, staying ahead of industry needs and regulatory changes.
VOC compliance isn't just a buzzword for them – it's a priority. They've developed eco-friendly formulas that meet environmental standards while maintaining preservation effectiveness. This forward-thinking approach positions them well as regulations continue evolving.
Their customer feedback loops ensure product development addresses real-world challenges. The dodge company regularly asks embalmers and funeral directors what they need, then incorporates those insights into new products and formula improvements.
This comprehensive approach to innovation reinforces why the dodge company leads the industry rather than just participating in it. They're not just making products – they're advancing the science of preservation itself.
Training, Support & Community Impact
The Dodge Company has always believed that great products are only as good as the people who use them. That's why they've built one of the most comprehensive educational and support systems in the funeral industry, helping professionals master their craft while serving their communities with dignity.
Their famous technical seminars continue a tradition that started back in the 1950s. The upcoming sessions are scheduled for November 13 & 14, 2025, and November 12 & 13, 2026, in Las Vegas. These aren't your typical product demonstrations – they're intensive learning experiences that cover everything from cutting-edge embalming techniques to the latest trends in restorative art.
What makes these seminars special is the hands-on approach. Participants don't just listen to lectures; they roll up their sleeves and practice new techniques with expert guidance. It's the kind of practical learning that funeral professionals can use immediately when they return to their preparation rooms.
For funeral homes that can't send their entire staff to Las Vegas, The Dodge Company brings the training directly to them. Their on-site clinics allow whole teams to learn together without the expense and disruption of travel. This personalized approach shows how well they understand the day-to-day challenges funeral directors face.
The company's quarterly magazine has become essential reading for funeral professionals across North America. It's packed with practical advice, industry news, and insights into new techniques. Many funeral directors tell me they keep back issues as reference materials – that's how valuable the content is.
When problems arise in the middle of a challenging case, The Dodge Company's technical support hotline provides immediate help. Their experts understand that funeral work doesn't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and they're committed to ensuring every case receives the care it deserves.
Beyond professional support, The Dodge Company demonstrates genuine community spirit through their partnership with Wreaths Across America. This program honors military veterans in all 50 states, reflecting the company's understanding that funeral service is ultimately about serving families and communities during their most difficult times.
Digital Tools & Resources
The Dodge Company has acceptd technology without losing the personal touch that makes them special. Their web store gives funeral professionals access to their complete catalog 24/7, making it easy to check prices, browse products, and place orders whenever it's convenient.
The online platform requires registration to access pricing and ordering – a smart approach that ensures only qualified professionals can purchase their specialized products. This system protects both the company and funeral homes while maintaining appropriate oversight of professional-grade chemicals and equipment.
Their downloadable catalog PDFs and current price lists make planning purchases simple. Funeral directors can easily compare products, calculate costs, and prepare orders without having to call during business hours. It's the kind of convenience that busy professionals appreciate.
The Dodge Company doesn't just sell products – they teach people how to use them effectively. Their DodgeSorb tutorials and detailed product guides help funeral professionals get the best results from every purchase. These resources cover proper application techniques and share best practices learned from decades of experience.
The Dodge Seminar registration system makes it easy to sign up for their educational programs, while their DODGE APP details explain how their mobile calculation tools can improve daily workflows.
What's impressive is how The Dodge Company balances digital convenience with human connection. Technology makes things easier, but their commitment to personal relationships remains unchanged. It's a thoughtful approach that recognizes funeral service will always be fundamentally about people caring for people.
Industry Partnerships
The Dodge Company understands that funeral service is bigger than any single company. Their partnerships with organizations like Glass Remembrance and Capture Bead Keepsakes help funeral homes offer families meaningful ways to create lasting memorials.
These collaborations aren't just business arrangements – they're carefully chosen relationships that expand what funeral homes can offer grieving families. By working with innovative memorial companies, The Dodge Company helps funeral directors provide more comprehensive services while creating additional revenue opportunities.
Their partnership with Insight Books and grief recovery expert Doug Manning shows how deeply they understand the funeral service mission. Families need support long after the funeral ends, and these resources help funeral homes provide ongoing care during the grief journey.
The company's extensive sales representative network creates personal connections across North America. These aren't just order-takers – they're knowledgeable professionals who understand local markets and build lasting relationships with funeral homes in their territories.
The Dodge Company actively participates in industry associations and trade shows, maintaining their leadership role in the funeral service community. These activities provide valuable opportunities for feedback, education, and relationship building that benefit everyone in the industry.
Their approach to partnerships reflects the same values that built their reputation: genuine care for funeral professionals and the families they serve. It's this commitment to the broader funeral service mission that keeps The Dodge Company at the center of the industry they've helped shape for over 130 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Dodge Company
What products does Dodge supply beyond embalming chemicals?
While most people know the dodge company for their industry-leading embalming fluids, they've quietly expanded into a one-stop shop for funeral homes. Their product range now covers practically everything you need in a modern funeral operation.
On the equipment side, they offer embalming instruments ranging from basic tools to sophisticated hydraulic hoists and stretchers built specifically for mortuary work. These aren't generic medical supplies - they're designed with the unique demands of funeral service in mind.
Their memorial products have become increasingly popular with funeral directors looking to serve families more completely. The urn and urn vault selection gives cremation families quality options, while their cosmetics and restorative art supplies help create dignified presentations that comfort grieving families.
What surprises many people is that the dodge company even offers website design services for funeral homes. They understand that modern families often search online first, so having a professional web presence has become essential for funeral service success.
The practical side isn't forgotten either. Their DodgeSorb absorbent products and Adult Cremation Pouches solve everyday preparation challenges, while partnerships with grief recovery experts provide aftercare materials that help families beyond the immediate service period.
Will my ordering process change after the Matthews acquisition?
This is probably the most common concern we hear from funeral directors, and the answer is refreshingly simple: nothing changes for customers right now.
The dodge company has been very intentional about maintaining business as usual during this transition. Your sales rep is still your sales rep. The customer service number you've been calling for years still reaches the same helpful people. Your web store login works exactly the same way.
Even the behind-the-scenes stuff stays the same - price lists, catalogs, and special offers continue through all the same channels you're used to. The technical support hotline that's saved you during challenging cases? Still there with the same knowledgeable staff.
Matthews International specifically structured this acquisition to preserve what makes the dodge company successful: those personal relationships and service standards built over 132 years. They're smart enough to know that changing a winning formula doesn't make sense.
If anything does change down the road, you'll get plenty of advance notice. But for now, it's business as usual with the added backing of a larger company's resources.
How can I access Dodge's training and technical support resources?
The dodge company makes professional education surprisingly accessible, whether you prefer in-person learning or need immediate phone support.
Their technical seminars in Las Vegas remain the gold standard for comprehensive embalming education. The next sessions are scheduled for November 13 & 14, 2025, and November 12 & 13, 2026. You can register through their website or just call customer service - they'll walk you through the process and answer any questions about what's covered.
Can't make it to Vegas? Their on-site clinic program brings the training directly to your funeral home. This works especially well for larger staffs or regional groups who want customized instruction without the travel costs and time away from operations.
For ongoing education, their quarterly technical magazine keeps you current on industry developments and new techniques. It's automatically sent to registered customers, and they often have back issues available if you're researching specific topics.
When you need help right now - maybe you're dealing with a challenging case at 2 AM - their technical support hotline connects you with licensed embalmers and technical staff who can provide real-time guidance and troubleshooting.
More info about dodge embalming chemical company provides additional details about their educational resources and support capabilities.
Conclusion
After 132 years of serving funeral professionals, the dodge company stands as a testament to what happens when innovation meets genuine care for customers. Their journey from A. Johnson Dodge's small Boston operation to becoming North America's largest embalming chemical supplier shows how staying true to your values can build something truly lasting.
The $57 million Matthews International acquisition marks an exciting new chapter while keeping everything funeral directors love about the dodge company intact. Your same sales reps, the same customer service team, and the same commitment to quality – just with more resources behind them. It's like your favorite family restaurant getting a bigger kitchen but keeping the same recipes.
What sets the dodge company apart isn't just their comprehensive product line or their formaldehyde-free innovations. It's their understanding that funeral service is deeply personal work that requires reliable partners. When you're serving families during their most difficult moments, you need suppliers who understand the weight of that responsibility.
Their commitment to education through technical seminars and ongoing support reflects this understanding perfectly. The dodge company doesn't just sell products – they invest in the success of funeral professionals across the industry. Their quarterly magazine, technical hotline, and hands-on training programs show they're thinking beyond the next sale to the next generation of funeral service.
Looking ahead, the dodge company appears perfectly positioned to continue leading industry innovation. Their track record of introducing breakthrough products like formaldehyde-free embalming fluids and practical tools like their arterial calculator app suggests they'll keep solving real problems for funeral professionals.
The Matthews International partnership opens doors to even more comprehensive solutions for funeral homes seeking single-source suppliers. This expanded capability means funeral directors can spend less time managing multiple vendor relationships and more time focusing on what matters most – serving families.
At American Mortuary Coolers, we've seen how the dodge company's reliability contributes to smooth funeral home operations. Our experience building custom mortuary coolers across Tennessee and the surrounding region has shown us the importance of dependable suppliers throughout the funeral service supply chain. More info about mortuary coolers & leading suppliers demonstrates how specialized companies like ours work alongside industry leaders like Dodge to serve funeral professionals' diverse needs.
The funeral industry will continue evolving, bringing new challenges and opportunities. But with the dodge company's proven track record of adaptation and innovation, funeral professionals can feel confident they'll have the support and products needed to serve families with dignity and excellence for many years to come.