Champion-Arrowhead, LLC - Press Releases

Press Releases

Introduction of Double-Arrow Wall Hydrant: ASSE 1053 Approved and Meets Lead-free Regulations

06/23/2009 Champion-Arrowhead LLC

Champion-Arrowhead LLC announces the introduction of its new Double-Arrow Wall Hydrant. The Double-Arrow is a frost-proof wall hydrant with two yet independently operating check valves assembled in tandem to provide backflow protection. The first check valve has two check surfaces and the second check valve has one, for a total of three check surfaces. In addition to double-check backflow protection, the Double-Arrow drains for frost-proof protection and meets the new lead-free regulations.

Backflow in the water lines is caused by a sudden drop in water pressure within the pipes. The drop in water pressure can be caused by a sudden spike in use of water within a home, a broken water main, a fire nearby where the Fire Department is using large quantities of water, or simply by opening a fire hydrant nearby to test it. A Backflow event is instantaneous and short lived. Since water lines for the outside of a house are directly connected to the water lines inside the house, anything around a garden hose connected to a garden valve can get sucked into the water pipes to contaminate the drinking water.

The new Double-Arrow wall hydrant meets ASSE 1053 requirements for double check valve protection against backflow. The first check valve is a unique thread-on vacuum breaker that allows the hydrant to drain away from the hands of the operator and away from the building. The second check valve is inside the hydrant near the inlet pipe connection. The second check valve has two check surfaces that stop any backflow of water into the water pipe. This design configuration provides more than double the protection against backflow. If the first check valve fails to prevent backflow, the second check valve is equipped with a double-layered barrier to stop the backflow from entering the water supply.

Being ASSE 1053 approved means that Double-Arrow has been formally tested for its double check valve protection and freeze resistance. The Double Arrow allows the water to drain out for frost-proof protection. Other popular wall hydrants with double check valve protection only meet ASSE 1052 and are NOT specifically ASSE 1053 approved. Not being ASSE 1053 approved means that a hydrant was not tested for frost-proof protection.

The Double Arrow is available with a stainless steel box that has a patented wall clamping system. The Double-Arrow wall clamping system is designed to accommodate walls up to 10” in thickness. Finally, the Double-Arrow meets the new lead-free regulations such as the California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB-1953) that goes in effect on January 2010.

Announcing new Southwest Rep Daigle & Associates and Champion-Arrowhead's acquisition of Valcon Valve

04/01/2009 Champio-Arrowhead LLC

The current market invokes many challenges that most of us are experiencing first hand. It also provides opportunities for change and we at Champion-Arrowhead have decided to make such a change in our Representation here in the Southwest. After many years of dedicated service and a much appreciated close working relationship with us, we are announcing the departure of Spec Management Group (SMG) as our Manufacturer’s Rep effective April 23, 2009. Fred March and Mike Davidson have made numerous and valuable contributions to the success of Champion over many years and we’d like to take this opportunity to express our respect and gratitude for those efforts.

Fred and Mike will continue their Champion responsibilities over the next month working closely with us through the transition to the new Rep, Daigle & Associates. Many of you know Richard and Marcie Daigle through Irrigator Tech and we are very pleased and enthusiastic that they are joining the Champion-Arrowhead team. Together, our goal is to support the irrigation dealer with a combination of reliable, proven and trusted Champion products, and exceptional contractor support through education, counter days, events and training. Champion has a long history here in the Southwest with a respected brand name and we believe that Champion can, once again, become the first choice of the professional contractor.

There is yet even more news. It is with great excitement that we announce the acquisition of Valcon Valve by Champion-Arrowhead. Effective April 1, 2009, the Valcon brand will become “Valcon, by Champion” introducing new prospects to the market for this long-lived, durable brand and offering you yet another quality product by Champion. Through this acquisition we will be able insure market demand is met by supporting the inventory requirements of the distribution channel and supplying the market with the entire Valcon Valve line, Anti-Drain Check Valves (ADV’s) and the exclusive ADV-XS Anti-Drain Check Valve with Excess Flow Shut-Off (Hydraulic Circuit Breaker).

“We are truly enthusiastic about the Valcon acquisition and our new representation by Daigle & Associates. Both support our strategies and goals in terms of our market position and Champion-Arrowhead’s product offering” says Jim Gitney, CEO of Champion-Arrowhead.

New Rep Agencies

6/1/2008 Champion-Arrowhead LLC

Los Angeles, CA. Champion-Arrowhead LLC announces the addition of three new rep agencies to its already outstanding sales force. Effective 6/1/2008, the following agencies will represent the company for both plumbing and irrigation products:

AKR Associates Inc. Upstate New York and the North East
Maples Sales and Service Inc. - Colorado
Meek and Beck Associates Inc. Michigan

Jim Gitney, the companys CEO commented,

"We are pleased to announce the addition of these outstanding agencies to our sales force. Champion-Arrowhead only looks for the best to support our brand, and we believe we have found the best to represent both Arrowhead Brass Products and Champion Irrigation products. We continue to improve our focus on the needs of contractors and distributors by providing the highest level of service, quality and innovation."

About Champion-Arrowhead LLC. The company consists of two of the best known brand names in the plumbing and irrigation industries. Champion-Arrowhead LLC was formed by Champion Irrigation LLC acquiring Arrowhead Brass Products LLC in 2006, making it one of the last US manufacturers of innovative and high quality brass products for the plumbing and irrigation industries. Champion Irrigation, founded in 1936 and Arrowhead Brass Products, founded in 1937 have over 140 years of experience and brand recognition. The company has several innovative new products including Arrow-Breaker, a patented technology, which is available in all connections and sizes for hose bibbs and Frost Free hydrants. A complete selection of the company's products can be seen at www.championarrowhead.com.

Launch of new Shark Bite Products

3/1/2008 Champion-Arrowhead LLC

Los Angeles, CA. Champion-Arrowhead LLC announces the launch of Shark Bite on its Frost Free hydrants. The company has worked closely with Cash Acme and its parent company to modify the Shark Bite design so that the company can offer this unique product to its customers. Now the contractor can use one SKU to connect a hydrant to copper tubing, CTS, CPVC and PEX in both 1/2" and 3/4". Shark Bite is available on all of Champion-Arrowhead's Frost Free hydrants. When coupled with the company's Arrow-Breaker Frost Free hydrants, the contractor now has the most unique product in the industry, providing significant cost and reliability advantages. The Arrow-Breaker 460 series of hydrants eliminates the need for a screw on vacuum breaker. The push on feature of the Shark Bite significantly reduces installation time for the contractor, while reducing the number of SKUs the contractor must deal with for various piping arrangements.
Jim Gitney, the companys CEO commented,

"We are pleased to announce the addition of the Shark Bite connection to our Frost Free line. Available only through Champion-Arrowhead LLC, we once again demonstrate our innovative approach to theneeds of our contractors and distributors. This new product provides significant productivity improvements for the contractor, and gives our distributors a choice to reduce the number of SKUs they have to carry."

Arrow-Breaker wins Best New Specialty Product of 2007

12/15/2007 Champion-Arrowhead LLC

Los Angeles, CA. Champion-Arrowhead LLC announces the awarding of the Best New specialty Product of 2007 at the Irrigation Associations annual show in San Diego. Arrow-Breaker, the company's newest product was chosen over hundreds of competitive products that were considered.
Jim Gitney, the company's CEO commented,

"We are very honored that one of our new products would be given this award. The judging committee recognized that Arrow-Breaker solves several problems that exist in both the irrigation and plumbing industries. With its integrated vacuum breaker, the product has higher flow, doesn't hum, doesn't clog and reduces water hammer, all common problems with hose bibbs and Frost Free hydrants. More importantly, it solves a significant problem in the industry, by insuring that these products continue to meet code after homeowners move in. It also significantly reduces contractor call backs from dissatisfied homeowners."

Arrow-Breaker, a patented technology, owned by Champion-Arrowhead LLC, is available in all connections and sizes for hose bibbs and Frost Free hydrants.

Chris Davey Appointed as New Director of Marketing and Sales

8/15/2007 Champion-Arrowhead LLC

Los Angeles, CA. Champion-Arrowhead LLC announces the appointment of Chris Davey Director of Marketing and Sales for this manufacturer of brass products for the irrigation and plumbing industries. Mr. Davey, with over 30 years experience in irrigation and professional products at API, Rain Bird and Walla Walla Sprinkler will guide the company's marketing and sales future. Jim Gitney, the company's CEO commented,

"We are very excited about Chris joining the company. His strength in our markets and channels of distribution will be a huge asset to the company. Together, we will be able to set a new product road for the company as well as new strategies for distribution. Chris involvement in the development and launching of the MP Rotator in the irrigation industry gives him unique insight on how to create and market products that focus on innovation and productivity improvements for contractors."

About Champion-Arrowhead LLC. The company consists of two of the best known brand names in the plumbing and irrigation industries. Champion-Arrowhead LLC was formed by Champion Irrigation LLC acquiring Arrowhead Brass Products LLC in 2006, making it one of the last US manufacturers of innovative and high quality brass products for the plumbing and irrigation industries. Champion Irrigation, founded in 1936 and Arrowhead Brass Products, founded in 1937 have over 140 years of experience and brand recognition. A complete selection of the company's products can be seen at www.championarrowhead.com.

Jim Gitney appointed as New CEO

7/15/2007 Champion-Arrowhead LLC

Los Angeles, CA. Champion-Arrowhead LLC announces the appointment of Jim Gitney as the CEO for this manufacturer of brass products for the irrigation and plumbing industries. Mr. Gitney, with over 30 years experience in consumer and professional products at GE, Black & Decker and Rain Bird will take the helm immediately. Mr. Gitney commented,

"I am very excited about the prospects of leading a company with over 140 years of brand equity that can be built upon. The company's reputation for high quality and innovation in both industries, coupled with 'Made-In-USA' products provides fertile ground for significantly growing its business and brands."

About Champion-Arrowhead LLC. The company consists of two of the best known brand names in the plumbing and irrigation industries. Champion-Arrowhead LLC was formed by Champion Irrigation LLC acquiring Arrowhead Brass Products LLC in 2006, making it one of the last US manufacturers of innovative and high quality brass products for the plumbing and irrigation industries. Champion Irrigation, founded in 1936 and Arrowhead Brass Products, founded in 1937 have over 140 years of experience and brand recognition. A complete selection of the company's products can be seen at www.championarrowhead.com.