John Ingram was an astute businessman whose engineering background served him well.
After attending Nelson College, John was called up to serve in the armed forces. He joined the Air Force, serving as a flight mechanic. On his return in 1945, John was awarded a bursary to study engineering at Canterbury University College. He graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Engineering (mechanical).
John joined the Ministry of Works, where he worked on the Roxburgh Hydro Scheme.
In 1952, John accepted a position with Boving & Co in Melbourne and became Managing Director in 1954.
Keen to return to New Zealand, John accepted the position of Chief Engineer at Cable Price in 1962. Three months later he was appointed Managing Director. John’s work at Cable Price involved importing machinery and steel products, including the first Toyota vehicle into New Zealand.
In 1969 John was appointed General Manager, and soon after, Managing Director, of New Zealand Steel. John was also active in community organisations and served on numerous Boards, including as IPENZ President in 1976.
