Collection MS 93 - D J MacDonald Ltd, Engineers, Dundee

The company was founded in 1892 by David J MacDonald (1857-1940) initially at works in Dens Road, moving after three years to South Saint Roque's Works. In 1901 the Company purchased the stock, goodwill and buildings in Ward Road of A C Scott (mill-furnisher). The mill-furnishing business was removed to South Saint Roque's Works and the Ward Road property transformed into a garage, which the Rossleigh Company tenanted for 5 years. On the removal of the Rossleigh Company to other premises, the property was remodelled again and automobile engineering was added to the Company's other activities.
In 1920 D J MacDonald's elder (and only surviving) son, W R MacDonald, took over the general management of Saint Roque's Works and Garage. Later the businesses were transformed into two private limited companies: Saint Roque's Automobile Co Ltd in 1921, and D J MacDonald Ltd in 1922, with himself and his son and daughter as the only shareholders and directors; his son being General Manager of both Companies.
D J MacDonald Ltd was voluntarily wound up in 1984, although part of the company was bought by Perth Foundry Ltd, and continued to trade under the name of MacDonald Engineering (Dundee) Ltd, at Hawkhill Court, Mid Wynd for the 'manufacture of sack sewing machinery, special purpose machining, general engineering, installation, maintenance and repair'.
Saint Roques Automobile Co Ltd was not affected. D J MacDonald manufactured an extremely wide range of machinery but tended to specialise in those concerned with the finishing processes of textiles; sewing machines, printing machines and proofing/impregnating machines.