ZEELAND — Howard Miller, a staple in the Zeeland community for almost a century, is going to shut down its plant, and more than 100 employees there will lose their jobs as a result. 

The manufacturing company cited a struggling housing market, the current inflation problem and the crushing tariffs under the Trump administration as reasons for shutting down. 

Howard Miller representatives released a news release on Thursday, July 10, announcing its “plans to wind down its manufacturing operations.” 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, the company’s statement said. 

The manufacturing giant has two Michigan plants in Zeeland and Traverse City, and one in North Carolina, employing a combined 195 people. Zeeland employs around 130 people at its plant. 

According to the news release, company leaders say, “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.”

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The statement continued, saying: “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.”

Zeeland City Manager Tim Klunder said the city was made aware on Tuesday evening, and city officials were saddened to learn of their impending departure. 

“It’s a sad day in the community. They are very symbolic in our community,” he said. “This certainly isn’t something you hope to prepare for.” 

A ‘great’ community partner

Howard Miller — a third-generation family-owned business known for its handcrafted clocks and better-end home furnishings — has a larger-than-life presence in the community that extends far beyond being an employer, Klunder said. 

There are plaques located throughout the city, and there is the Howard Miller Community Center, located in downtown Zeeland, that has five rental rooms available. The center hosts events including wedding receptions, open houses, craft shows, bridal showers, holiday banquets and family gatherings.

The Holland Miller Public Library, 14 S. Church St., has for years offered free materials and programming for children, teens and adults. 

Klunder said it's a huge loss for the Zeeland community and he is grateful for what the company has brought to it. 

“I’m thankful for the tremendous impact they have on our community. They have been a great community partner,” he said. 

Next steps

Employees, distributors and customers of Herman Miller shared the news with its employees on Wednesday. Employees will receive a severance package as well as support with job placement, according to the company press release. 

Company leaders say they 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,” according to 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.”

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, the press release stated.

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.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.