Celebrating 90 Years -1936–2026

Enduring. Resilient. Excellent. These words have defined Arrowhead’s journey for 90 years.

Founded in 1936, Arrowhead has grown from a small brass operation into a trusted name in plumbing and fluid control—serving generations of contractors, plumbers, and homeowners across the United States and beyond. As we mark our 90th anniversary in 2026, we reflect not only on where we began but on the people, decisions, and resilience that have shaped who we are today.

The Arrowhead Story: Three Generations of Brass

Arrowhead’s story begins with Italian-born Frank V. Enterante, who started the company in 1936 after applying his foundry pattern-making expertise to brass fittings. After arriving in the US, Frank first moved to St. Louis and then to California, with aspirations to become a musician. Life took a different path, and through learning the craft of brass casting, he discovered a skill that would define his future.

While working at RepCal, Frank partnered with fellow brass technician Paul Shaub, and together they launched what would become Arrowhead Brass. Enterante worked nights, refining patterns and processes and laying the foundation for a company rooted in craftsmanship and durability.

When the United States entered World War II, Arrowhead’s early manufacturing capabilities were called into service. The federal government provided the young company with two machines and a production run of 30-caliber bullet casings. Arrowhead officially opened with just those two machines and Frank Enterante’s deep knowledge of brass manufacturing.

Growth, Manufacturing, and Resilience

Throughout the mid-1900s, Arrowhead continued to expand. The Enterante family established the Arrowhead foundry in Los Angeles, where it still operates today. During the Korean War, Arrowhead once again supported national defense—manufacturing 50-caliber bullet casings during the day while continuing its commercial operations at night.

Over time, three generations of the Enterante family would lead the company, expanding Arrowhead’s reach across the United States while maintaining an innate understanding of the business. Frank V. Enterante’s grandsons, Frank L. Enterante and Lou Enterante, ultimately purchased the company and invested heavily in modernizing the Los Angeles foundry to meet increasingly rigorous manufacturing and regulatory standards.

Champion-Arrowhead: A Chapter of the Journey

In 2006, Arrowhead entered a new phase when it merged with Champion Irrigation, becoming known as Champion-Arrowhead. This period marked a meaningful chapter in the company’s evolution—one that expanded product offerings, strengthened market presence, and introduced Arrowhead to new customers and applications.

For many, Champion-Arrowhead became synonymous with reliability, innovation, and performance. This chapter remains an integral part of Arrowhead’s legacy and growth story.

Navigating Change and Returning to Our Roots

As the industry changed and evolved, Arrowhead continued to adapt, never losing sight of its core values. The company navigated shifts in regulation, manufacturing, and materials, including the critical transition to lead-free brass alloys. Arrowhead embraced this change early, positioning itself as a leader in safer plumbing solutions long before regulations required it.

Through this evolution, the decision was made to return to the Arrowhead name—honoring the brand’s origins while carrying forward everything learned along the way. Today, Arrowhead stands as one of the few U.S.-based manufacturers producing lead-free brass plumbing products, trusted in residential and commercial applications.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Now, as Arrowhead celebrates its 90th anniversary, the focus is firmly on the future. From advancing manufacturing automation and materials research to expanding global reach, Arrowhead remains committed to delivering reliable, proven, and trusted solutions for a world that depends on them.

From a two-machine operation in 1936 to a modern manufacturing organization, Arrowhead’s journey has always been guided by one simple principle: build products that last.

Reliable. Proven. Trusted. Since 1936.