Christopher Armstrong is an accomplished engineering executive, manufacturing leader, and capital project strategist with more than twenty-five years of experience helping organizations transform complex operational challenges into measurable business success. Throughout his career, he has established a reputation for combining technical expertise with practical leadership, enabling companies across the agriculture, automotive, manufacturing, and industrial sectors to improve operational performance, expand production capacity, and execute large-scale capital investments with confidence. His leadership philosophy centers on creating practical solutions that generate sustainable growth while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Currently serving as Owner and President of Practical Engineering Solutions, LLC, Christopher provides engineering consulting and project management services to organizations seeking to optimize manufacturing operations, modernize facilities, and improve production efficiency. Through his consulting practice, he works closely with executive leadership teams to develop manufacturing strategies, create industrial and civil engineering designs, produce general arrangement drawings, recommend equipment improvements, and oversee projects from concept through commissioning. His ability to balance strategic planning with detailed execution allows clients to achieve operational objectives while maintaining safety, quality, and financial discipline.
Prior to launching his consulting business, Christopher spent a decade as Capital Project Manager for Kalmbach Feeds, where he directed more than $100 million in capital improvement projects supporting the company’s continued expansion. His responsibilities included managing the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of feed mills, warehouse facilities, and grain storage systems. Among his most notable accomplishments was leading the development of a state-of-the-art feed manufacturing facility that became recognized within the industry for its innovative design and operational capabilities. His collaborative work with JobsOhio and regional economic development organizations also helped secure more than $4 million in economic incentives that accelerated corporate growth while strengthening local communities.
Christopher’s career at Kalmbach Feeds also included ten successful years as Plant Manager, where he led manufacturing, maintenance, and quality operations while supervising approximately forty employees. During this period, he successfully expanded production capacity, introduced enhanced quality management systems, strengthened operational performance, and played a significant role in the construction and startup of a new manufacturing facility. His leadership established a culture focused on safety, accountability, process improvement, and operational excellence that contributed directly to the organization’s continued profitability and long-term growth.
Earlier in his career, Christopher served as Plant Engineer for Graymont, where he managed manufacturing engineering, reliability engineering, process control, and large-scale capital improvements for industrial production facilities. His accomplishments included implementing a $1.5 million electrical inverter conversion project, installing an EPA-compliant emissions scrubber system, and reducing kiln ash accumulation by fifty percent through engineering innovation and process optimization. Equally significant was his commitment to workplace safety, helping maintain a flawless Mine Safety and Health Administration safety record while leading technically demanding engineering initiatives.
Christopher began his professional career with Tenneco Automotive, where he spent more than a decade developing manufacturing engineering expertise within one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers. During this time, he designed advanced manufacturing systems that increased Chrysler production line productivity by fifty percent through innovative welding cell automation while also contributing to supplier development, quality certification initiatives, and the development of electronic suspension systems used in the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition. His early exposure to world-class manufacturing practices laid the foundation for the operational leadership and engineering excellence that would define the remainder of his career.
His broad technical expertise spans capital project management, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, process optimization, project commissioning, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, AutoCAD, supplier development, preventive maintenance, reliability engineering, OSHA and MSHA compliance, HACCP standards, ISO/QS9000 systems, root cause analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership. Christopher has consistently demonstrated the ability to bridge technical engineering disciplines with executive business strategy, enabling organizations to improve efficiency, reduce operational risk, and maximize return on capital investments.
Christopher’s international experience working with organizations and suppliers throughout Japan and Europe has broadened his understanding of global manufacturing practices and strengthened his ability to collaborate across diverse business environments. He values continuous learning and believes that exposure to different operational philosophies creates stronger leaders capable of developing innovative solutions to increasingly complex industrial challenges. This international perspective complements his practical approach to engineering leadership and strategic decision-making.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Christopher remains deeply committed to serving his community through nonprofit organizations and church leadership. Throughout his career, he has served on numerous nonprofit boards, contributing his organizational leadership, operational insight, and passion for helping others succeed. He believes that leadership extends well beyond business performance and that meaningful service creates stronger organizations, stronger communities, and stronger individuals.
Outside of work, Christopher enjoys playing music, an interest that reflects both creativity and discipline—qualities that have influenced his leadership throughout his engineering career. Whether directing multimillion-dollar capital projects, mentoring engineering teams, or serving nonprofit organizations, he approaches every opportunity with integrity, humility, and a commitment to excellence. Inspired by Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed,” Christopher strives to lead with purpose while helping organizations build lasting success through thoughtful planning, sound engineering, and principled leadership.
Christopher is now pursuing corporate board service to broaden his strategic impact while contributing decades of engineering, manufacturing, and operational leadership experience. He offers boards a unique combination of technical expertise, executive project leadership, operational transformation, risk management, and continuous improvement. His experience across multiple industries, combined with his passion for organizational growth and helping others succeed, positions him as a valuable advisor capable of supporting companies as they navigate expansion, operational excellence, and long-term strategic initiatives.
Character:
Christopher leads with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving both organizations and communities. He believes strong leadership is built upon trust, accountability, and consistently doing what is right even when challenges arise.
Knowledge:
With more than twenty-five years of engineering, manufacturing, and capital project leadership experience, Christopher possesses a deep understanding of operational excellence and industrial growth. His expertise allows him to connect technical execution with strategic business objectives that drive measurable results.
Strategic:
Christopher approaches every initiative with a long-term perspective, balancing innovation, operational efficiency, financial stewardship, and sustainable growth. He excels at identifying opportunities that improve organizational performance while minimizing risk and maximizing return on investment.
Communication:
An approachable and collaborative leader who builds strong relationships across all levels of an organization. His ability to communicate complex engineering concepts in practical business terms enables executive teams, stakeholders, and operational personnel to align around common objectives and execute with confidence.
