John Ikhaml

John Ikhaml is a highly experienced professional in manufacturing operations. Since 2017, he has excelled as the Senior Production Manager at Protolabs Inc. John creates plans and policies to improve team efficiency and safety in this role. He has introduced tools such as quick daily updates and efficiency strategies that have significantly enhanced workplace innovation and productivity.

Before joining Protolabs, John played a key role at The Bergquist Company/Henkel Corporation in Cannon Falls, MN, where he managed 40 operators as a Manufacturing Shift Manager from 2012 to 2017. He effectively balanced production needs with strict safety standards. Before that, he was a Production Coordinator at Boston Scientific in Arden Hills, MN, where he received a "Lean Leader" certification for his exceptional work in streamlining operations.

John's career began on the ground floor—literally—as a Production Supervisor at Cargill/Gerdau Ameristeel in St. Paul, MN. He supervised 47 union employees there, driving initiatives that greatly improved customer satisfaction and efficiency, significantly cutting costs. 

He started his professional journey with a bang as an Engineering Intern at Sheldahl Inc. in Northfield, MN, where he worked on design projects and testing that cut costs and improved processes.

John graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a degree in Automotive Engineering Technology and a minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. He's good at making things work better and developing new ideas. In one of his projects, he designed an excellent new engine to make cars use less gas and pollute less. Throughout his career, he's been great at improving processes and always looking for new and better ways to do things.