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Christoph Westenberger

Christoph Westenberger

M.Eng.Master of Engineering

“Leadership means providing direction, taking responsibility and leading progress by example.”

Christoph Westenberger in the mountains

Profile

Progress begins with the willingness to break new ground.

My passion is research and development. I enjoy understanding complex relationships, recognising new opportunities and turning innovative ideas into sustainable solutions. I am fascinated not only by technical challenges, but also by the people whose knowledge, experience and different perspectives contribute to shared success.

I meet new challenges with determination and a firm resolve to achieve the goals I set. I therefore see demanding tasks not as obstacles, but as opportunities to question the status quo and gain new perspectives. Even under adverse or changing conditions, it is important to me to keep the big picture in view, make clear decisions and work consistently towards solutions.

Developing people is just as important to me. I am convinced that successful leadership is built on trust, mutual respect and clear communication. Strengthening employees’ abilities, encouraging ownership and achieving goals together are among the most fulfilling parts of my professional work.

Lecture hall – Qualifications

Qualifications

Knowledge is the foundation of progress. It grows with every new insight, deepens through experience and gains significance through its application. For me, education is therefore a lifelong process.

Education

  1. since 05/2024 · completion 12/2026Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
  2. 10.2020 – 09.2023Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)Engineering · Ansbach University of Applied Sciences
  3. 11.2017Trainer Aptitude Certificate (AEVO)Chamber of Industry and Commerce Nuremberg
  4. 09.2016 – 06.2020State-Certified TechnicianPlastics and Fibre Composite Technology · Weißenburg
  5. 09.2003 – 08.2006Process MechanicPlastics and Rubber TechnologyVocational School Dinkelsbühl

Special Awards

  • Master Craftsman Award of the Bavarian State GovernmentBavarian State Government

Further Training

Leadership

  • 360° Leadership Leaders Academy

Finance

  • Financial Management and Financial Analysis TH Deggendorf

Operational Excellence

  • Lean Management COMPLAVIS Akademie
  • Kaizen Practitioner COMPLAVIS Akademie
  • Cost Calculation for Injection-Moulded Parts SKZ – KFE gGmbH
  • QMT: Living Processes BMW Group Akademie

Artificial Intelligence

  • IBM Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence IBM SkillsBuild
  • AI and Leadership KI-Campus (AI Campus)
  • AI as a Driver of Innovative Business Models

Plastics

  • Moldflow Simulations ComputerKomplett ASCAD
  • 3D Printing in Practice SKZ – KFE gGmbH
  • Defect-Free Sampling of Injection Moulds SKZ – KFE gGmbH

Engineering

  • Electrically Skilled Person for Defined Tasks bfz Weißenburg
  • Hands-On Operation of KUKA Industrial Robots SAR Elektronic
  • SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD SOLIDtraining Akademie

Quality

  • Six Sigma Green Belt COMPLAVIS Akademie
  • Six Sigma Yellow Belt COMPLAVIS Akademie
  • FMEA Riskmanagement – Practice TÜV SÜD Akademie
  • FMEA Riskmanagement – Moderator TÜV SÜD Akademie

Defence

  • In preparation

Patents & IP

  • In preparation
Mountain pass – Career

Career

A career rarely follows a straight line. It is shaped by experiences, decisions and new perspectives. Each position broadens one’s horizons and helps to understand relationships from different angles.

My career has taken me through a range of functions and levels of responsibility: from production operations through process optimisation and project management to heading research and development. The experience gained along the way continues to shape my technical understanding, my decisions and my view of people and organisations.

With every new role, not only my knowledge and skills have grown, but also my understanding of how technology, people and business decisions interact. This experience is a valuable foundation on which I intend to keep building.

  1. Education

    Gentner GmbH, Kammerstein

  2. Process Mechanic

    RF Plast GmbH, Gunzenhausen

  3. Head of IMD/IML

    Nifco KTW, Weißenburg in Bayern

  4. Technical
    Project Manager

    Wellhäuser K. GmbH, Beilngries

  5. Plant Manager,
    Authorised Signatory,
    Technical Director

    Wellhäuser K. GmbH, Beilngries

  6. Head of R&D

    Inotec GmbH, Manching

  7. Head of R&D

    Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG, Holzgerlingen Most recent

Innovation

Innovation begins where others stop. Knowledge, experience and perseverance provide the basis for thinking further at exactly that point.

For me, recognising potential and pushing existing boundaries is the starting point for new approaches. The real challenge lies in
thinking beyond familiar technologies and established processes, recognising new connections
and unlocking previously untapped opportunities.

Successful products emerge where technical requirements and possibilities are considered as a whole. Materials, manufacturing processes and functions influence one another and must be aligned as early as the development stage.

In particular, the intelligent combination of different materials and technologies opens up new ways to advance existing products and integrate additional functions directly into components.

In the end, it is not the idea alone that counts, but a product that is technically convincing, works reliably and delivers real value to companies and users.

Technical Expertise

  • Smart FabricsDevelopment and integration of functional textiles with sensory or active properties. Combining textiles and electronics for intelligent applications.
  • Functional IntegrationCombining mechanical, electrical and optical functions directly in the component. Reduces part count and expands design possibilities.
  • Multi-Material Injection MouldingJoining different materials to create hybrid components with enhanced properties. Enables new functions while maintaining high process reliability.
  • Additive ManufacturingUse of modern 3D printing processes for prototypes, functional samples and complex geometries. Rapid implementation and validation of technical concepts.
  • PrototypingFast, iterative production of functional samples, test geometries and small batches. Validation of design, haptics and technical properties at an early stage.
  • Laser ProcessingPrecise cutting, texturing and processing of plastics and multi-material components. Creation of fine contours, functional surfaces and microstructural details.
Teamwork – Leadership

Leadership

Leadership means giving the team a clear direction. My principle:“Without a destination, every harbour is the wrong one.” Good leadership works like a compass. It creates certainty in decisions,
in direction and in expectations. It makes visible where the path leads,
while leaving room for initiative. It is about orientation,
clear priorities and removing obstacles so that people
can take responsibility and grow beyond themselves.

Open communication and reliable commitments create a shared understanding of how decisions are made, why we act and how we measure success.

Where leadership is both clear and humane, genuine team spirit emerges. Shared values and responsibility in practice ensure that results are not only achieved, but also embraced.

Responsibility

Responsibility must not be mere lip service; it must be carried by strong shoulders. It shows where decisions are not only formulated, but also consistently upheld and measured by their long-term consequences.

This applies to leading people as much as to technology, economics and the use of resources. Decisions rarely affect just one area. They often influence people, processes and developments far beyond it.

Responsibility therefore means understanding these connections and making decisions with care, on a solid professional foundation and with a view to their long-term impact. Solutions must not only convince today, but also endure tomorrow.

Network

Research and development thrive on the exchange of different perspectives and competencies. New insights often arise where knowledge is shared, experience is pooled and disciplinary boundaries are overcome.

Over the years, I have built a network of valuable contacts in science and industry. Professional exchange and collaboration with people from different disciplines enrich my work and open up new perspectives. I particularly value the combination of scientific expertise and industrial practice.

The best solutions emerge where people share their knowledge, combine different strengths and develop new ideas together. Good exchange can create connections that last far beyond a single project.

  • Schmalkalden University of Applied SciencesPractice-oriented education and applied research in plastics technology. Key partner for materials testing and development projects.
  • SKZ – German Plastics CenterLeading centre of excellence for plastics technology in Germany. Supports companies with testing, training and industry-oriented development.
  • Ansbach University of Applied SciencesStrong expertise in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Modern equipment enables precise material and surface analyses.
  • Kunststoff-Institut LüdenscheidPartner for injection moulding, surface technology and material optimisation. Supports prototyping, tooling and practical plastics solutions.
  • Leibniz Institute of Photonic TechnologyIntroduces photonic measurement and analysis methods. Characterises materials, structures and processes with high precision and reliability.
  • SmartTex NetworkLinks textile technologies with electronics and functional integration. Develops smart materials and sensor textiles for innovative solutions.

Contact

New perspectives often arise from good exchange. I look forward to interesting conversations, professional ideas and contact with people who want to make a difference.

Name
Christoph Westenberger
Email
kontakt@christoph-westenberger.de
Location
Steidlestraße 8, 86551 Aichach
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