Hotstart acquired GEO-THERMAL SYSTEMS INC. (GTS) effective December 22, 2022. The acquisition brings high-efficiency (HE) 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. Since the existing engine heaters are sometimes Hotstart systems, the acquisition is a perfect fit for both companies.
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 vice president of operations, is joining Hotstart as market manager for HE Generator Heating for the Americas. Patrick will be responsible for sales of heating systems throughout North, Central, and South America. Jim Whittlesey will serve as an advisor to Hotstart in a consultant role. Hotstart said that the GTS product line will now be offered as Hotstart HE Heating Systems.