Kim Hotstart Announces New Name and Image

Engine heating manufacturer Kim Hotstart (www.hotstart.com) has officially changed its name to HOTSTART, Inc. The updated name accompanies a new logo design that was launched at the PowerGen International trade exhibition in December 2009 at Las Vegas, Nevada. The company dropped "Kim" from the official name in order to enhance its brand recognition during the company's continued international growth. 

HOTSTART, Inc. replaces Kim Hotstart Manufacturing Company, Inc. which had been used since the company's origin. In 1942, Stan Power purchased the engine heating company from his partner, Wayne Kimberlin. Out of respect for his former partner, Power named his new manufacturing business Kim Hotstart.  In 1992, Kim Hotstart updated its 50-year old logo, de-emphasizing the word "Kim" and placing more emphasis on "HOTSTART".  With continued business growth and increased global opportunities, CEO Rick Robinson felt that it was time to address a name change. "As our business expanded overseas, particularly in Asia, we felt it was necessary to eliminate potential confusion by the use of the word "Kim" in the company name," stated Robinson.

For 68 years, HOTSTART has been family owned, maintaining its manufacturing headquarters in Spokane, Washington. The company employs 140 full-time employees.