Who We Are

Who We Are

Improved Performance Starts Here

Since 1942, Hotstart has been the world leader in the design and manufacture of thermal management systems. The initial need of keeping school buses warm in winter resulted in engine heating products that continue to be used by major OEMs globally. With over 75 years of experience, the company continues to provide high quality, reliable preheating systems to customers needing easy engine starts, immediate full power and reductions in maintenance, fuel consumption and harmful emissions. 

As the energy landscape evolves, we are drawing on our expertise to develop innovative heating and cooling solutions. Power generation, storage and delivery methods are changing quickly and require new approaches to achieve sustainability and energy-efficiency goals. Targeted, liquid-based thermal management in place of traditional air conditioning is ideal for battery energy storage, fuel cells and electrified industrial vehicles.  

“We have 200 extremely talented, gifted, fun people that work together well as a team. They care about each other, they care about their work and they care about their customers. Great things happen when we all row together in the same direction.”

—Terry Judge, CEO 

HOTSTART History

“My grandfather, Stanley Power, started up the company in 1942—75 years ago. The company has been amazingly successful because of the people that we have. Everything else falls into place. Customers get taken care of—the right things happen.”

—Rick Robinson, Retired CEO

1942

The original drawing of the Kim Hotstart for the patent.

Wayne Kimberlin develops a unique electric heater for school buses. Kimberlin partners with Stanley Power to make and sell the “Kim Hotstart” for heavy diesel and gas equipment.

1944

Stanley Power

Power purchases the company from Kimberlin and renames it Kim Hotstart Company.

1945

Hotstart Broadway Location

Power moves the company to a new warehouse in Spokane, Washington, USA.

1978

Hotstart Alki Location

To expand operations, Kim Hotstart moves to its current location, a 142,000 sq ft facility.

2009

Hotstart’s 2009 Logo

The company rebrands, becoming HOTSTART. To better serve Europe, a sales office is opened in Siegburg, Germany.

2011

Members of the Hotstart Asia Pacific, Ltd. team in from of a locomotive.

Hotstart Asia Pacific, Ltd. is established, allowing for local sales support to the APAC region.

2018

Hotstart Europe GmbH Location

As business opportunities in Europe increase, Hotstart Europe GmbH moves from Siegburg to Köln, Germany.

2020

Hotstart’s 2020 Logo

The company introduces a new brand, Hotstart Thermal Management, to position itself as a leader in performance-improving cooling and heating technologies.

Who We Are

Who We Are