Hotstart has acquired Geo-Thermal Systems Inc. (GTS). The acquisition brings high efficiency heating systems to Hotstart’s portfolio. These heating systems use heat pump technology to maintain standby generators installed in the Americas. The heating systems provide up to 75% energy savings while adding a level of backup redundancy with the existing engine heaters.
Hotstart said that the GTS product line will now be offered as Hotstart High Efficiency (HE) Heating Systems.
GTS was founded in 1991 by Jim Whittlesey, a former Caterpillar employee, who saw an opportunity to improve the traditional engine heating process for standby generators. By adding a modified air-source heat pump to the existing block heater installation, a more energy efficient solution was possible. GTS supplied this solution to customers during 30 years of operation. Thousands of heating systems have been installed on generators in facilities including commercial, industrial, government, military, universities, airports, hospitals, and data centers, saving end users significant energy and money.
Patrick Whittlesey, former GTS VP of Operations, is joining Hotstart as Market Manager – High Efficiency Generator Heating – Americas. Patrick will be responsible for sales of heating systems throughout North, Central, and South America. Jim Whittlesey will serve as advisor to Hotstart in a consultant role.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Hotstart team,” said Whittlesey. “Over the years, we’ve seen Hotstart products on numerous emergency generators in the field. It’s apparent they are the leader in the industry, which made joining them an easy decision to make.”
“I’m excited to have the GTS team join Hotstart,” said Terry Judge, CEO of Hotstart. “Their generator experience and strong customer relationships align well with our 80 years of engine heating expertise. We look forward to providing this technology to customers that seek energy savings and lower carbon footprints.”
Established in 1942 with the original patent for engine coolant heating, Hotstart designs complete heating solutions that maintain the heat in engines and gas compressor frames while they are in standby mode (See April 2017 Gas Compression Magazine “75-Years Of Hotstart”, p. 38). Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, USA, the company has offices in Houston; Merrillville, Indiana, USA; Seigburg, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
