John Ikhaml
Senior Production Manager
Lakeville, Minnesota
John Ikhaml has built a distinguished career in manufacturing operations, demonstrating expertise in leadership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Since 2017, he has served as Senior Production Manager at Protolabs Inc., developing and executing policies, plans, and procedures to optimize staffing, scheduling, production supplies, inventory management, manufacturing operations, and plant safety. John has been instrumental in implementing communication and continuous improvement tools such as leader standard work, kaizen corner, pass-down expectations, and Gemba walks, fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation.
Before joining Protolabs Inc., John held critical roles at prominent organizations, including The Bergquist Company/Henkel Corporation, Cannon Falls, MN, where from 2012 to 2017, he excelled as a Manufacturing Shift Manager, leading a team of 40 operators to meet production demands while ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards. His tenure at Boston Scientific, Arden Hills, MN, from 2009 to 2012 as Production Coordinator further solidified his expertise in coordinating daily work direction and implementing lean and continuous improvement activities, earning him “Lean Leader” certification.
Earlier in his career, John served as Production Supervisor at Cargill/Gerdau Ameristeel, St. Paul, MN, where he supervised 47 union employees and led initiatives that significantly enhanced customer satisfaction, quality, and process efficiency. His dedication to operational excellence and cost reduction strategies also led to substantial annual savings during his tenure as Shipping Supervisor from 2002 to 2005.
John began his career in manufacturing as an Engineering Intern at Sheldahl Inc., Northfield, MN. In this pivotal role, he immersed himself in the intricacies of design projects and testing procedures. Under the guidance of seasoned engineers, John played a crucial role in supporting various design initiatives to enhance product performance and efficiency. His contributions extended beyond mere assistance, as he actively conducted tests, gathered data and analyzed results to identify improvement areas.
During his internship, John’s keen analytical skills and proactive approach led to significant process improvements and cost savings for Sheldahl Inc. He collaborated closely with the engineering team to troubleshoot issues, refine manufacturing processes, and implement innovative solutions. His dedication to precision and quality control bolstered the reliability of Sheldahl’s products and optimized production workflows, thereby reducing lead times and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
John Ikhaml pursued his academic journey at Minnesota State University, Mankato, earning a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology with a minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology. John demonstrated a keen interest in integrating cutting-edge engineering principles with practical manufacturing techniques throughout his studies. His coursework provided him with a solid foundation in automotive engineering. It equipped him with the skills necessary to optimize manufacturing processes.
As a culmination of his undergraduate education, John undertook a notable senior project focused on designing a seamless variable-timed engine. This project underscored his dedication to innovation and engineering excellence, showcasing his ability to conceptualize and execute sophisticated engineering solutions. The seamless variable timed engine aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve engine performance, reflecting John’s proactive approach to addressing contemporary challenges in automotive technology.
John’s senior project received academic acclaim and highlighted his capacity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering problems. His successful project completion exemplified his analytical prowess, attention to detail, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in the automotive industry.