Schrillo Co. v. Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co.

Introduction

Cross-complainant Schrillo Company (Schrillo) appeals from the superior court’s granting of a motion for summary judgment brought by cross-defendant Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company (Hartford). Schrillo had filed a cross-complaint for declaratory relief against Hartford which, on the grounds of lack of coverage, had declined to defend or indemnify Schrillo in a separate action brought by a third party against Schrillo. We affirm.

Background

Schrillo, principally a manufacturer of components used in the fabrication and assembly of aircraft parts, began the manufacture of power steering units for installation in Ford Trucks late in 1972 and discontinued the manufacture of the units in early 1975. On or about May 21, 1975, a power steering unit (manufactured by Schrillo prior to March 1975) was shipped to a distributor in the Minnesota area and, on August 18, 1975, installed in the truck of Larry A. Senger. In 1981, Mr. Senger filed a civil action against Schrillo alleging that on May 15, 1977, he had been critically injured when his truck crashed as a result of a “lock-up” in Schrillo’s power steering unit. Mr. Senger alleged that Schrillo was…