HOTSTART Receives Presidential Award for Export Successes

Spokane, Wash. — The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded HOTSTART with the President’s “E” Award for Exports. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

“HOTSTART has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was very impressed with HOTSTART’s customization of its product line to fit the needs of customers in export markets. The company’s participation in trade shows and events was also particularly notable. HOTSTART’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that supports the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said Secretary Pritzker in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient.

HOTSTART is a leading developer and manufacturer of diesel engine block heaters. The company was established in 1942 with the original patent for engine coolant heating. Today, the HOTSTART product line includes coolant heaters, oil heaters, battery pads and wraps, controls, harnesses and complete systems. These products are used on diesel engines to provide easy starts, immediate full power, reduced engine wear, reduced emissions and reduced fuel consumption. Applications include standby generator sets, locomotives, equipment/machinery, gas pipeline compressors, heavy duty trucks and marine. HOTSTART is headquartered in Spokane, Washington with offices in Siegburg, Germany, Tokyo, Japan and Katy, Texas.

“HOTSTART has been committed to expanding our exports as we strive to become the world leader in engine heating. Adding offices in Germany and Japan helped us get closer to European and Asian customers, develop closer relationships with them and develop the products they need. As a result, our export sales have grown significantly and our customers are very pleased with us. We are honored to receive the “E” Award as it recognizes the accomplishments of the whole HOTSTART team,” said Terry Judge, CEO of HOTSTART.

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Today, Secretary Pritzker honored 123 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award for their outstanding work to reduce barriers to foreign markets and to open the door to more trade around the world.

In 2015, U.S. exports totaled $2.23 trillion, accounting for nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP. Nationally, exports contributed to the U.S. economy, supporting an estimated 11.5 million jobs.

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service office network, located within the Department’s International Trade Administration, with offices in 108 U.S. cities and more than 70 countries. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting the winners.

For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.