Russell Kreutzer

For Russell Kreutzer, engineering and manufacturing have always been about more than what happens on a computer screen. He likes to design things, build things and figure out how to make them work better.  With 25 years of manufacturing experience, Russell serves as Engineering Manager at National Manufacturing Group, bringing a diverse background that includes automotive, aerospace, lighting and food manufacturing. His expertise covers everything from welding and sheet metal design to process improvement, process control, maintenance and reliability, and tool and die.

One of the things Russell enjoys most about National is the variety. With both composite and metal products coming through the operation, there’s always a different engineering challenge to solve. His goal is to continue improving processes and efficiencies at National’s Joplin facility while helping the operation grow.

Russell’s interest in manufacturing actually started at home, designing and fabricating racecar chassis and components. And that passion hasn’t gone anywhere. During the warmer months, you’ll find him at the drag strip competing; when fall arrives, he trades the racetrack for the backwoods and spends as much time outdoors and hunting as he can.

Speed entered Russell’s life pretty early. He was soloing airplanes before he even had his driver’s license at 16. In fact, if engineering and manufacturing hadn’t become his career, there’s a good chance he’d be flying professionally as a corporate pilot.

A lifelong Joplin-area resident and Missouri Southern State University alum, Russell says one of his proudest professional accomplishments isn’t a product he’s designed or a process he’s improved. It’s having the opportunity to coach others, give them the tools they need to succeed and watch them reach their own professional goals.

Whether he’s improving a manufacturing process, building something in the shop, flying an airplane, sitting in the woods or lining up at the drag strip, Russell is happiest when he’s hands-on and making something happen.