Our Story
Made in Guatemala for the US Market!
A family-owned Workshop in Italy that grew into a full-scale Manufacturer in Guatemala — without losing the craftsmanship that started it.
A Workshop That Grew Into a Manufacturer
The Fontana tradition began in Italy in the 1940s — a family hardwood casket operation built on the conviction that craftsmanship and quality are inseparable. In 1990, the manufacturing operation relocated to Guatemala, Central America, where access to diverse hardwood species and skilled artisan labor allowed the company to scale without sacrificing the standards that defined its origin.
Our facility sits at Km 111.5 Carretera al Atlántico in Usumatlán, Zacapa — strategically located near Guatemala's Atlantic ports of Santo Tomás and Puerto Barrios. This position allows us to load and ship containers to US East and West Coast destinations efficiently. We operate approximately 194,000 square feet of covered manufacturing space across 8.6 acres, with three lumber drying kilns and a rotating inventory of over 600,000 board feet of hardwood.
Today our 120+ full-time employees produce approximately 1,200 caskets per month — around 500 destined for the US market and 700 for other countries. Besides catering the Guatemalan market, we export to the US and other Central American, Caribbean, and European countries. Fontana was recognized as Best Exporter of the Year by AGEXPORT in both 1998 and 2011.
Inside Our Operations
Built for Scale
From raw lumber intake to container loading — every stage runs under one roof in Usumatlán, Zacapa.
Logistics Advantage
Why Source from Guatemala?
Closer than Asia. Faster than you'd expect. Same time zone as you.
Faster Transit Times
Guatemala to US ports in 5–10 days by sea — vs. 30–45 days from Asia. Less time in transit means faster restocking cycles and lower inventory risk for your operation.
Same Time Zone
We operate in Central Time — aligned with the US Midwest and South. Real-time communication with no overnight delays, no conference call logistics across continents.
Direct Port Access
Strategically located near Guatemala's Atlantic ports of Santo Tomás and Puerto Barrios, with regular shipping routes to both US East and West Coast destinations.
Client Testimonials
Trusted by US Funeral Directors
Fontana Wood Caskets have been an outstanding addition to our product offering. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every casket, and the reception from our funeral home customers has been overwhelmingly positive. German and his team have also been exceptional partners — consistently flexible, responsive, and willing to work with us to meet our specific needs and requests. Their commitment to quality and service has made Fontana a valued supplier relationship for our company.
Danielle Thacker
VP of Marketing & Sales, Thacker Caskets, Inc.
Industry Affiliations
Ready to work together?
Browse our 50+ model catalog or submit a volume quote request to start the conversation.