Our Name

In June 1915, with the support of the Pennsylvania State Launderers Association, 85 industrial laundry employers came together to form an association to collectively insure their employees against workplace accidents under the newly enacted Workingmen’s Compensation Insurance law.

In December of that same year, the Association formally incorporated as the Laundry Owners Mutual Liability Insurance Association and issued its first policy on January 1, 1916. Established as a Pennsylvania-based Employers’ Mutual company, it was part of a model that was common in the early 1900s. Today, however, Laundry Owners Mutual stands as the only remaining Employers’ Mutual insurance company operating in Pennsylvania.

The company’s first office was located in the City of Pittsburgh. Today, it remains rooted in the region, operating from a Pittsburgh suburb just a few miles east of its original location.

In December 1915, Edward G. Lang was hired to help spearhead the company’s launch. The Association turned to Mr. Lang because of his extensive insurance background and strong political ties. A local insurance agent specializing in fire liability and real estate, he also served as Director of Public Safety for the City of Pittsburgh and sat on council for Allegheny County. In addition, he held directorships at several banking institutions and local companies.

As its name suggests, Laundry Owners Mutual Liability Insurance Association originally insured only industrial laundry facilities, a focus it maintained for many years. Over time, however, the industry evolved and a new sector—dry cleaning—emerged. In 1940, the company expanded its scope, writing its first non-laundry-based policy for a dry cleaner/launderer.

As our policyholders’ operations continued to evolve, so did we. Today, we serve a diverse range of industries. While we have broadened our underwriting focus, our primary objective remains unchanged: providing low-cost workers’ compensation insurance to our member policyholders, delivered with the highest level of personalized service.

Spanning generations, the management of Laundry Owners Mutual remains steadfast in its commitment to the company’s mission and vision. We provide expertise and attentive, senior-level engagement to our policyholders, while maintaining active leadership and support within the insurance industry.

Our success and longevity are rooted in the core principles upon which this company was founded—trust, honesty, and integrity. Our philosophy, built around and for our policyholders, remains the same: to help them save premium dollars while delivering unparalleled, personalized service.