Howard Miller Company History

The Howard Miller Story

The Howard Miller Company, located in Zeeland, Michigan, was founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller, son of contract furniture legend Herman Miller. In its earliest days, the company became known for crafting fine chiming wall and mantel clocks designed to last generations. Over the decades, Howard Miller has continually evolved, staying at the forefront of style and the needs of an ever-changing society.

From the trend-setting, avant-garde clocks of the 1940s to the futuristic designs of George Nelson in the 1950s, Howard Miller has always been a pioneer in aesthetic innovation. By the 1960s, the company turned its attention to grandfather clocks, eventually earning the title of the world’s largest grandfather clock brand. As lifestyles shifted in the 1970s and 80s, the company expanded its expertise into wall, table-top, and alarm categories, as well as high-end curio cabinets designed to display cherished heirlooms.

Beyond timekeeping, Howard Miller’s influence extends into the broader world of fine home furnishings. The company’s portfolio grew through the acquisition of the Hekman Furniture Company in 1983 and Woodmark Upholstery in 1994, solidifying its reputation for quality wood and upholstered products for the home. In 1993, Howard Miller further strengthened its precision-timing pedigree by acquiring Kieninger, the renowned German company known for world-class clock movements.

Howard Miller has earned numerous design awards and was twice selected as an international award winner by the American Institute of Interior Designers. Our products have been recognized by Fortune Magazine among the top 100 industrial design products in the world and are featured in museum collections nationwide.

A New Chapter of Excellence

While the company was led for generations by the descendants of our founder, most recently by Howard C. Miller's grandson, Howard J. (Buzz) Miller, the brand is now entering an inspired new era. As the Miller family reduces their involvement in daily operations, the Howard Miller legacy continues with renewed energy.

The same experienced team of product experts and brand stewards remains at the helm, ensuring that our commitment to excellence is uninterrupted. Today, Howard Miller continues to offer the same precision-engineered, stylish timepieces and furniture backed by 100 years of heritage and expertise. Though leadership may evolve, our dedication to the craft remains unchanged: the heart of the company continues to beat in Zeeland, Michigan, ensuring that the name on every piece remains a global symbol of quality for generations to come.