Jason Wells is the President/CEO of the newly formed Kyocera SGS Tech Hub in Danville, VA, and is responsible for leading the development of this advanced technology, research, and specialized manufacturing subsidiary for the global conglomerate KYOCERA. KYOCERA has multiple divisions and a manufacturing footprint in more than 30 countries with 75,000+ employees. KYOCERA is recognized as a global innovator and a technology leader with revenue of more than $19B.
Mr. Wells has nearly 30 years of experience in all high-end cutting tool market facets. He has traveled throughout the world and worked for tool manufacturers in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, the UK, and the United States, which has given him a unique global perspective of manufacturing. In addition, he has had the honor to work for some of the top manufacturing companies within the cutting tool industry, including Sandvik, MAPAL, YG-1, and for more than 18 years, SGS Tool Company before becoming acquired by KYOCERA in 2016. Mr. Wells, having been the lead on creating and opening two advanced manufacturing sites within the cutting tool industry, has experience including leadership responsibilities in Sales and Marketing, Operations, Engineering, and Research and Development.
Mr. Wells has had the honor of contributing to multiple Patents within the field of cutting tools. He has authored and had several articles published in various leading trade periodicals. In addition, he has created and presented unique training programs that have allowed him to successfully train several industry members at multiple levels in the technology of cutting tools and the industries they support. Mr. Wells has also delivered lectures for industry on behalf of organizations such as SME and AMT.
Mr. Wells currently serves on the Board at the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, the Board of the GoTEC STEM Initiative of Virginia, the Board of the newly formed CCAM Apprenticeship Academy, and serves as an Industry Technical Advisor for Danville Community College. In addition, Mr. Wells was recently chosen as one of the 100 people to meet in Virginia in 2020 by Virginia Business magazine.
As a passionate industry member, Mr. Wells is very committed to revealing to youth and parents the opportunities and technologies in today’s modern manufacturing facilities. He often volunteers to work and speak at various youth events to encourage careers in manufacturing. His focus and attention are to mentor and inspire the next generation of cutting tool minds.
Proxy Representative: Rhett Holley