Howard Miller
DiscontinuedOverview
Howard Miller is a manufacturer of clocks, display cabinets, wine and bar furnishings, and custom storage furniture, known historically as the world's largest producer of grandfather clocks. The company, based in Zeeland, Michigan, offered designs from traditional to contemporary and expanded into wood and upholstered home furniture. It announced cessation of manufacturing in late 2025, with inventory sales continuing into early 2026.1256
History
Howard Miller Company was founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller, son of Herman Miller, initially as the Herman Miller Clock Company division, focusing on chiming wall and mantel clocks. It grew to become the world's largest grandfather clock manufacturer and expanded into other clock types and furniture in the 1970s and 1980s. The third-generation family-owned business employed up to 1,000 people in the early 1990s before announcing shutdown of production at its Zeeland, Traverse City, and North Carolina plants in Q4 2025.156
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Grandfather Clocks | Traditional floor-standing timepieces | $1,500 - $10,000 |
| Wall Clocks | Chiming and decorative wall models | $200 - $2,000 |
| Mantel Clocks | Tabletop chiming clocks | $150 - $1,500 |
| Tabletop & Alarm Clocks | Everyday functional clocks | $50 - $500 |
| Display Cabinets | Curio cabinets for collectibles | $800 - $5,000 |
| Wine & Bar Furnishings | Storage for wine and bar accessories | $500 - $3,000 |
| Custom Storage Furniture | Bespoke home organization pieces | $1,000 - $4,000 |
Manufacturing
Products were manufactured at plants in Zeeland and Traverse City, Michigan, and two locations in North Carolina. The company produced all-wood casings and handcrafted items in-house. Manufacturing ceased in Q4 2025.15
Notable Products
- Grandfather Clocks - Floor clocks recognized as the largest category produced worldwide by the company.
- Chiming Wall Clocks - Early core products with all-wood casings designed for longevity.
- Mantel Clocks - Traditional tabletop clocks that contributed to the company's initial fame.
- Display Cabinets - Curio-style cabinets for showcasing collections.
- Wine Cabinets - Furnishings for wine storage and bar use.
Reputation
Howard Miller is regarded by enthusiasts for its durable, handcrafted clocks, particularly grandfather models, and design awards from groups like the American Institute of Interior Designers. Professionals note its peak as the top U.S. clock maker with high-end home furnishings. Criticisms may arise from the recent shutdown, signaling market challenges for traditional clock manufacturing.156
Sources (7)
- https://howardmiller.com/pages/howard-miller-company-history
- https://growjo.com/company/Howard_Miller
- https://www.datanyze.com/companies/howard-miller/45960822
- https://www.bbb.org/us/mi/zeeland/profile/wholesale-clocks/howard-miller-company-0372-8000267
- https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1586958
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Miller_Clock_Company
- https://howardmiller.com