Our Story

Arrowhead Athletics is an american manufacturing company with plant and offices located just north of Boston, Massachusetts.

We design and manufacture premium adhesive and cohesive stretch, and rigid tapes for athletes of all levels. 

Since our first product launch in 1983, Arrowhead has remained a tape selected by experienced trainers, athletes, coaches, and teams who are more focused on performance than flair and branding.  Our customers demand the same consistency in our tapes as they do in their elite, professional athletics.

Our History

1939

Founded in 1939, Shawsheen Coating and Converting, Inc. was established to manufacture specialty adhesive compounds for use in the shoe industry. Over the years, product-focus expanded to include application of custom adhesive formulations to textiles and papers, as well as converting vinyl-coated cloth into shoe-binding materials. Over time, opportunities were pursued in a number of industries including automotive, appliance and packaging.

1980's

During the 1980’s, the company focused on designing ophthalmic polishing pad materials with "removable/repositionable" pressure-sensitive adhesive systems, and the commission, or toll, coating and converting of materials supplied by third parties.

1984

In 1984, the company launched the Arrowhead Athletics division to pursue opportunities in the athletic tape market.

1997

In late 1997, Denis Kelley and Walter Nugent teamed together to purchase the company from the estate of its founder.

1998

In early 1998, the Company began doing industrial business as Shawsheen Coating & Converting to more accurately reflect its current products and services.

Over the years, the company has earned the respect of its customers as a reliable provider and an innovative source for solving tough application problems using solvent and water-based formulations.

2000's

Throughout the 2000's and today, Shawsheen continues to leverage its expertise in the design and application of a wide range of solution coatings to provide its new and existing customers with valuable and consistent solutions and innovations.

Today, the company is still located in Andover, Massachusetts and employs over 50 employees at its 45,000 square foot facility.

2015

In 2015, Shawsheen was acquired by Wembly Enterprises. Wembly introduced significant investment into Shawsheen, focused on driving long-term growth under the existing management team.