GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Howard Miller Corp. is best known for making grandfather clocks, but time may be running out for the 99-year-old Zeeland-based furniture company.
It says in a written statement that it plans to sell off its inventory next year and possibly discontinue operations. Howard Miller says it's been unable, so far, to find a buyer. It says the housing crisis and tariffs are impacting the furniture industry, especially the suppliers who have been impacted by the rising cost of components.
Howard Miller has nearly 200 employees at its plants in Zeeland, Traverse City, North Carolina and Germany.
Here are more details from a Sabo P.R. news release:
The third-generation family-owned business known for its handcrafted clocks and better-end home furnishings employs approximately 195 at manufacturing plants in Zeeland and Traverse City, Michigan, as well as two facilities in North Carolina. Production is expected to continue into the fourth quarter of this year, with the company remaining open into 2026 to sell its inventory of quality finished goods.
Company leadership shared the news with employees, distributors and customers yesterday. Employees will receive a severance package as well as support with job placement.
The Howard Miller Foundation will continue to fulfill its philanthropic mission and its longstanding commitment to nonprofits along the Lakeshore.
“We are incredibly disappointed to have reached this point in our journey,” said Howard J. “Buzz” Miller, grandson of the company founder who now serves as president and CEO. “For nearly a century, we have manufactured clocks, custom cabinets and other furniture designed to enhance the lives of our customers at home. We’ve been blessed with an incredible workforce of skilled craftspeople and professionals who enabled our company to grow and prosper for decades.
“But in recent years, a convergence of market influences beyond our control brought us to this point. Furniture sales are closely linked to the health of the housing market, which is struggling. Our hopes for a market recovery early in the year were quickly dashed as tariffs rattled the supply chain, sparked recession fears and pushed mortgage rates higher. The furniture industry continues to shed jobs and announce plant closings.
“This has been compounded by inflation and rising interest rates. Our business has been directly impacted by tariffs that have increased the cost of essential components unavailable domestically and driven specialty suppliers out of business, making it unsustainable for us to continue our operations.
“We are deeply grateful to our talented team, our committed distributors and our loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years. We will complete orders currently in process with the intent of winding down manufacturing operations and then remaining open and available into next year as the finished goods of clocks and furniture are sold through the company’s various distribution channels.”
Miller said the company has been working with an investment banker to market itself but has been unable to find a buyer. Howard Miller would still entertain offers from an interested buyer.
Howard Miller got its start in 1926 by Howard C. Miller, son of office furniture manufacturing legend Herman Miller. Initially, Howard Miller crafted fine chiming wall and mantel clocks designed to last generations, expanding over the decades to add grandfather clocks, curio cabinets, entertainment centers and more. In 1983, Howard Miller purchased Hekman Furniture Co., which will also be closing as part of this wind down.
Howard Miller has earned many design awards and was twice selected as an international award winner by the American Institute of Interior Designs. Several of its products have been selected by Fortune Magazine as among the top 100 industrial design products in the world. Its clocks are displayed in museums nationwide.
A complete history can be read on HowardMiller.com.
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