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Municipality in Southern Santa Catarina Gathers Four Companies That Produce Thousands of Funeral Urns Per Month and Employs About 200 People, Amidst an Economy Also Supported by Agriculture.
Grão-Pará, in Southern Santa Catarina, is considered a hub of the funeral industry.
With fewer than 7,000 inhabitants, the municipality hosts four companies responsible for the production of about 7,000 urns per month, which ensures approximately 200 direct jobs.
According to the city hall, the town accounts for about 40% of Santa Catarina’s coffin production.
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Funeral Industry in Expansion
The companies established in Grão-Pará have been operating in the sector since the 1990s.
Over the years, they have expanded their production lines and consolidated clients in Santa Catarina and other states in the Southern region.
The industrial process involves carpentry, cutting and pressing wood, application of varnishes, assembly of accessories, and finishing.
According to industry information, large-scale manufacturing allows for continuous fulfillment of regional demands.
In addition to urn production, some companies also work with frames and wooden components, utilizing the same manufacturing structure.
Agriculture Continues as the Basis of the Economy
Despite the relevance of the funeral sector, agriculture remains the main economic activity of the municipality.
According to the Secretary of Sustainable Economic Development, Arthur Alberton Kulkamp, agriculture still supports Grão-Pará, although the coffin industry has gained significant ground in income generation.
The region stands out for its pig farming and tobacco cultivation.
There is also production of corn, beans, fruits, milk, and poultry for slaughter, in addition to activities in fisheries and beekeeping.
These productive chains ensure employment in the countryside and contribute to the diversification of the local economy.
Municipality Profile
Grão-Pará has about 6,500 inhabitants spread over 338 square kilometers, according to municipal data.
The combination of extensive agricultural land and the presence of small industries characterizes the local economy.
According to regional development experts, the municipality’s location and available labor favor the maintenance of established industries, particularly in the timber and funeral sectors.
Timber Sector and Other Industries
The timber sector plays an important role in Grão-Pará. The local sawmills supply inputs for urn production and also for the manufacture of frames.
Moreover, the municipality has industries in aluminum and textile manufacturing, which complement the economy.
According to municipal administration, the presence of these industrial branches helps maintain jobs and increases revenue.
Employment and Training
The monthly production of 7,000 urns requires a constant workforce. The companies offer practical training for workers in carpentry and finishing.
This training ensures the continuity of production and keeps about 200 people employed directly in the sector.
According to municipal managers, the regularity of orders from regional funeral homes is one of the factors that ensure stability in job generation.
Regional Importance
City hall data estimate that Grão-Pará concentrates approximately 40% of coffin production in Santa Catarina.
This activity positions the municipality as a state reference in the funeral sector, alongside cities that also have a tradition in the timber industry.
According to regional economy specialists, the balance between agriculture and industry is one of the factors that contribute to the maintenance of economic activity in small towns like Grão-Pará.
Diversified Economy
With a small population and significant industrial production, Grão-Pará combines agricultural activities, funeral and timber sectors, in addition to manufacturing and aluminum.
The economic diversity allows the municipality to reduce dependence on a single sector and expand its revenue sources.
Experts point out that the coexistence of different productive branches is one of the factors that support development in inner Santa Catarina municipalities.
While agricultural production remains the base, the funeral urn industry reinforces Grão-Pará’s role in the state economy.
As empresas devem faturar muita mais muita grana mesmo, vai vendo 200 pessoas fazem 7.000 unidades por mês 84.000 urnas por ano