HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), North America's largest provider of funeral and cemetery services, has ramped up its steadfast commitment to the city of New Orleans since the December 2013 acquisition of Stewart Enterprises with a $7.2 million capital improvement plan designed to spotlight several historic cemeteries including Mount Olivet Cemetery and Metairie Cemetery as well as Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home.
SCI has completed the first half of its multi-million dollar capital improvement plan with the final phase of the project culminating in 2016. Enhancements include renovations to existing structures, a new mausoleum as well as a new cremation garden, with most of the construction sourced by local contractors.
Following the merger with Stewart, several major accounting functions moved from SCI's corporate office in Houston to New Orleans to maintain a strong corporate and community presence. SCI is also proud to continue its support of local organizations that demonstrate commitment to the New Orleans community including Fore! Kid's Foundation, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal benefiting the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the National World War II Museum.
"We are honored to support the New Orleans community," said Tom Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Corporation International. "Hundreds of SCI associates call New Orleans home, as they work to strengthen the community through our shared commitment to service and improving lives."
As part of SCI's continuing commitment to service excellence, innovation, creativity and community support, the nation's leading funeral and cemetery provider is considering additional capital improvement projects for the New Orleans area in the near future.
About Service Corporation International
Service Corporation International (NYSE:SCI), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's leading provider of deathcare products and services. At June 30, 2015, SCI owned and operated 1,550 funeral homes and 467 cemeteries (of which 262 are combination locations) in 45 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Through its businesses, SCI markets the Dignity Memorial® brand which offers assurance of quality, value, caring service and exceptional customer satisfaction. For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit www.sci-corp.com. For more information about Dignity Memorial, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com. As used herein, "SCI" or the "Company" refers to Service Corporation International and all of its affiliated companies.
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