CNA Expands Its Manufacturing Appetite; Key Enhancements Include Risk Control Services and Industry-Specific Coverages.

CHICAGO -- CNA (NYSE:CNA) has recently announced its expanded appetite for in the manufacturing segment. While the global business insurer has long been a major provider of insurance products and services for the manufacturing industry, it has expanded its middle market product portfolio, enhanced manufacturing-specific risk control services and increased pricing flexibility. Additionally, it has extended greater authority to its regional and branch underwriters giving the carrier the necessary agility and position to become a bigger player in this segment.

CNA is poised to consider a broad range of manufacturing risks. The carriers' appetite includes focus classes like metal fabricators, machine shops, sheet metal workers, food processors, printers; manufacturers of furniture, steel and related products; as well as industrial patterns, pumps, pumping equipment and commercial lighting fixtures. Yet with CNA's underwriting, risk control and claim expertise in the manufacturing industry, the carrier's appetite extends beyond the focus classes and includes machinery manufacturers, ornamental woodworkers, manufacturers of ball and roller bearings, machine tools, motors/generators and plastic fabricators.

"CNA understands that manufacturers need protection against a number of complex, industry-specific risks," said Jan Frank, executive vice president, CNA North American Field Operations. "We want them to know that no matter what the manufacturing coverage need - from standard lines coverage to international capabilities - we have the products and services.

"Our product capabilities are comprehensive and include all the standard fare when it comes to manufacturers - like equipment breakdown including production equipment, brands and labels, and product recall with and without profits. Manufacturers Errors & Omissions coverage is also available for many of the targeted classes."

For various coverages, CNA provides the "gold standard" - meaning the coverage is either the best or among the best offered in the industry. CNA's gold standard coverage includes Manufacturers Consequential Loss, Business Interruption and Electronic Data Processing Hardware. Its proprietary manufacturers' general liability extension endorsement provides blanket vendors coverage, physical damage to patterns molds and dies as well as expanded personal and advertising injury.

Such coverages are complemented with Boiler and Machinery, integrated Inland Marine and Ocean Marine capabilities and the full capability of CNA's international department which provides an array of offerings, ranging from gold standard coverage for overseas business travel to a comprehensive foreign insurance package designed for U.S.-based, multi-national companies with international exposures.

CNA capabilities for manufacturing are broader than standard lines offerings. It offers extensive specialty lines product offerings including Directors and Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability and Fiduciary Liability. Additionally the carrier is paying as much attention to enhancing service capabilities as it is to providing comprehensive coverage offerings.

In addition, Frank continues, "CNA's enhanced, manufacturing-specific risk control services are second to none."

CNA provides infrared testing services, ergonomics expertise as well as training and education through its School of Risk Control Excellence. Seminar topics include emerging issues in manufacturing and product liability. Additionally, CNA provides on-line risk control training modules to its manufacturing policyholders and potential insureds.

"It is clear that we are poised to increase our presence in this segment. Consider our new joint efforts - with federal and state safety/health organizations, along with materials-handling companies - to evaluate and help provide solutions involving manufacturing workplace exposures along with our seasoned, knowledgeable staff and agents."

Recently, CNA implemented a new claim model designed to expedite case handling and enhance customer experience at every point of contact - from initial notification through resolution of claim. This change demonstrates CNA's continued focus on quality claim handling, customer service and efficiencies.

A national carrier with a wealth of regional partnerships, CNA is uniquely positioned to serve the manufacturing industry with an expanded portfolio of competitive products and services, a broadened appetite as well as a professional and knowledgeable network of agents supported by a talented, dedicated staff. CNA has earned the endorsement of several key manufacturing associations including FMA (Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International) and AWI (Architectural Wood Institute).

For more information on CNA's expanded manufacturing appetite or products and services designed specifically for manufacturers, contact your local agent or CNA representative; visit www.cna.com; or, call 1-800-CNA-6241.

CNA is the country's seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 14th largest property and casualty company. CNA's insurance products include standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine and other property and casualty coverages. CNA's services include risk management, information services, underwriting, risk control and claims administration. CNA is a registered service mark, trade name and domain name of CNA Financial Corporation.