Oldham family business Volksmaster celebrates 30 years of community trust

A family-run car repair business that started in a small Oldham workshop 30 years ago is celebrating three decades of growth while staying true to its community roots. Volksmaster, founded by Ryan McDonald in 1996, has expanded from a single garage to four locations across Greater Manchester, employing around 50 local families and serving thousands of drivers in the region.

The business began as a modest family workshop on Oldham's streets, where Ryan McDonald built a reputation for honest, reliable car repairs. Today, his son Mike McDonald runs the company, which has grown into a trusted automotive brand while maintaining the personal touch that made it successful. 'These 30 years have been a journey of learning and growth,' Mike said.

Volksmaster's success isn't just about fixing cars-it's about building relationships. The company recently ran an Anniversary Thanksgiving Marketplace campaign that exceeded all expectations, with local drivers helping to more than double the original giveaway target. This community support has allowed Volksmaster to expand its services beyond basic repairs to include Volksmaster Smart Repairs, combining mobile SMART repairs with a fully equipped body workshop in Oldham.

As Volksmaster enters its fourth decade, the business shows no signs of slowing down. The company has maintained its core values of transparency, craftsmanship, and putting customers first, even as technology and services have evolved. With a body workshop still operating in Oldham and plans for continued expansion, this family business proves that local companies can grow while staying connected to the community that built them.