FAST Global Solutions Announces Vice President and General Manager, International

GLENWOOD, Minn. (June 15, 2016) – FAST Global Solutions, formerly known as WASP Inc., announces DeWayne Nelson has been promoted to vice president and general manager, international, for the manufacturer of ground support equipment, conveyors and agricultural sprayers and applicators. Nelson will lead the Minnesota-based company’s growth in Asia and Europe, including establishing a new manufacturing facility in the region in 2017. Kevin Hanson, FAST’s senior account executive and a 34-year company employee, will lead the sales team that supports North and South American customers.

“DeWayne’s 23 years of experience at FAST Global Solutions provides him with the knowledge he needs to expand our global presence and support our customers,” said Dane Anderson, FAST Global Solutions president and CEO. “We’ve seen increased demand for our products, and establishing a facility in the region means our customers will benefit by getting the high-quality products they know to expect from us in less time and with lower shipping expenses.”

Nelson’s career started in 1985 when company founder Jim Watkins hired him as an engineer for what was at the time called Watkins Aircraft Support Products. The name was shortened to WASP Inc. after the employees purchased the company in 1997, and, after acquiring the agriculture division in 2015, renamed FAST Global Solutions. Nelson worked in engineering and sales for seven years, and spent nearly a decade focused on the conveyor division, both in sales and as a plant manager. He was named vice president of sales and marketing in 2009.

In that role, Nelson helped the employee-owned company grow by more than 30 percent. In his new position, he’s poised to increase that growth with the expansion overseas.  

“My first priority in selecting a facility for overseas manufacturing revolves around quality,” Nelson said. “Customers know the value of WASP-engineered products. They’re built strong, and that durability leads to a low total cost of ownership. The new facility — including machinery, workers and manufacturing practices — will need to meet the high standards we use at our U.S. production facilities.”

Since accepting the new position earlier this year, Nelson has logged more than 70,000 miles as he meets with current and potential customers to discuss product needs and manufacturing facility location options.

“We’re excited to support our growing customer base in Europe and Asia, and I’ve enjoyed meeting with them face-to-face to learn how we can best meet their needs,” Nelson said.