Howard Miller Company History

Howard Miller Company, located in Zeeland, Michigan, was founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller, son of contract furniture legend, Herman Miller. At that time the company primarily crafted fine chiming wall and mantel clocks and built all-wood casings designed to last generations. However, over the years Howard Miller adjusted its product line to the needs of an ever-changing society.

During the 1940's Howard Miller produced trend-setting, avant garde clocks that may be found today in collector's galleries. During World War II, Howard Miller produced anti-aircraft gun covers for planes being built by Ford Motor Company. Designer George Nelson designed futuristic Howard Miller clocks during the 50's, and it was not until the early 1960's that the company turned its attention to grandfather clocks. The development of grandfather clocks has earned Howard Miller the title . . . the world's largest grandfather clock manufacturer.  The 70's and 80's lifestyles also called for options, and wall, table-top and alarm categories flourished.

In 1989 the company began manufacturing curio cabinets. The wooden cabinets, in development five years before the first one was sold, have glass windows and shelves, and are similar to the grandfather clocks but without timing devices. The cabinets can display heirlooms, plates and other collectible items, and are designed to be compatible with grandfather clocks built generations ago.

Though clocks have made the company famous world-wide, Howard Miller could be considered a furniture company with its wood and upholstered products for the home. The company bought Hekman Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1983. That company operates plants in Michigan and North Carolina. In 1994 Howard Miller purchased Woodmark Upholstery, which operates plants in North Carolina.

In addition to these furniture company acquisitions, in 1993 Howard Miller purchased Kieninger, a German company that manufactures quality clock movements as well as completed clocks.

Howard Miller has earned many design awards and was twice selected 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. In addition, Howard Miller clocks are displayed in museums nationwide.

Howard C. Miller's son and grandson oversee the company's operations.  His son, Philip Miller, serves as Chairman and CEO and also oversees the company's Collectors Cabinet business.  Grandson Howard J. (Buzz) Miller is company President and COO and also oversees the efforts of Howard Miller's other companies, Hekman, Woodmark and Kieninger.