Howard Miller, Hekman to cease operations

Sister companies impacted by a confluence of factors ranging from high interest rates and a slow housing market to the costs associated with Trump tariffs

ZEELAND, Mich. — Wood furniture manufacturers and sister companies Hekman and Howard Miller are winding down operations after a century in business in this former geographic center of domestic furniture manufacturing.

The companies told dealers on Thursday that the decision was based on a confluence of factors ranging from elevated interest rates and their impact on the housing market to Trump administration tariffs and the impact those added costs have had on the company’s supply chain as a manufacturer and importer of wood furniture.

“We are incredibly disappointed to have reached this point in our journey,” said third-generation company executive Howard J. “Buzz” Miller in a letter to dealers. He is the company’s current president and CEO and is the grandson of founder Howard Miller and son of former President and CEO Jack Miller.

“For nearly a century, we have manufactured clocks, custom cabinets and other furniture designed to enhance the lives of our customers at home,” Miller added. “But in recent years, a convergence of market influences beyond our control brought us to this point. Our hopes for a housing market recovery early in the year were quickly dashed as tariffs rattled the supply chain, sparked recession fears and pushed mortgage rates higher. 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.”

Howard Miller was founded in 1926 by Howard C. Miller in Zeeland, Michigan, according to an online data search. It initially built wall and mantel clocks then expanded into grandfather clocks and other wood furniture, which it continues to produce in its plant in Zeeland.

Case goods manufacturer and importer Hekman was founded in 1922, established by brothers Henry, John and Jelle Hekman. It was acquired by Howard Miller in 1983.

In the same letter, Jim O’Keefe, vice president of sales for Howard Miller and Hekman, told dealers that the company expects production will continue at its Michigan manufacturing facilities into the fourth quarter. Along with adding to the company’s inventory of bestselling products, the company plans to complete all custom orders now in process and ship those products — including clocks and furniture — into 2026.

The company also said that its domestic upholstery orders in process at Woodmark in High Point “will be completed as best we can. Our plan is to continue taking orders through to the end of August as raw materials and fabric allow.”

O’Keefe added that the company also plans to monitor and communicate its in-stock situation with its customers.

“While other furniture manufacturers are raising prices, we are holding our prices and have incentives to encourage large orders,” O’Keefe noted, adding that as inventory will become limited, the company encourages customers to contact their sales rep and place orders as soon as possible. “Howard Miller and Hekman are fortunate to have an outstanding dealer network that has played a vital role in our growth and success over the years. We’ve appreciated your commitment and loyalty. As we move through this transition, we remain fully committed to supporting our dealer partners with top-quality products and exceptional service.”

For more on the sister companies’ recent history captured through an onsite visit that Home News Now made to Zeeland two years ago, click here.