MORRISON MCDONALD (HOLDINGS) - Key Persons

John Macdonald's grandfather also John served an apprenticeship as a coppersmith in 1871 before accepting the post as Head Foreman in a large ship repair yard in Birkenhead in 1884. His son Robert served an apprenticeship under his father in 1900 and after volunteering for the Army in 1914 and serving for a short period, was sent to Fairfield's Shipyard where there were dire needs for his experience. In 1917 with the war drawing to an end, there were large redundancies and Robert Macdonald & Co was established in Renfrew. The company quickly became accepted as a quality establishment which enabled it to survive the depression. In 1947 his son John joined the company and like his father before him served an apprenticeship under his father. John had been educated at Allan Glens School, a leading establishment in science and engineering, taking the prize in technical subjects in his final year. The book he received by chance had been compiled by Ernest Atkins of Liverpool Technical College, Practical Plate and Sheet Metalwork, the bulk of which had been obtained from his grandfather. In 1950 on the death of his father Robert, John became Managing Director of the company.