divider

Our Story

hero_708_our_story_2

Video

The Millwright Poet

A millwright who wrote poetry? Or a poet who worked as a millwright? Our founder talks about what the answers taught him.
Watch video

  • Business Ethics ranks Herman Miller, Inc. 5th among the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" in America
    2000
  • Business Finance magazine's "Vision Award" for excellence in financial reporting practices
    2000
  • Business Week magazine included Herman Miller in its "WebSmart 50" list for its use of technology to streamline business operations
    2000
  • 2000 NeoCon, Grand Award for NeoCon 2000 showroom at Chicago's Merchandise Mart in the annual Showroom Design
    2000
  • Cited in Fortune magazine as one of America's most admired companies; ranked number three for social responsibility
    2000
  • Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), co-sponsored by Business Week magazine, name Levity Collection and Reaction chair Silver Award Winners
    2000
  • Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), co-sponsored by Business Week magazine, name Herman Miller's Resolve Office System a Gold award winner
    2000
  • Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), co-sponsored by Business Week magazine--Caper seating earns Bronze award
    2000

Herman Miller was a West Michigan businessman who helped his son-in-law, D.J. De Pree, buy the Michigan Star Furniture Company in 1923. De Pree had been working at the company, which opened in 1905, since he was hired in 1909 as a clerk. De Pree knew his father-in-law was a man of integrity, so he decided to rename the company after him.

By the middle of the 20th century, the name Herman Miller had become synonymous with “modern” furniture. Working with legendary designers George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames, the company produced pieces that would become classics of industrial design.

Since then, we’ve collaborated with some of the most outstanding designers in the world, including Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi, Robert Propst, Bill Stumpf, Don Chadwick, Ayse Birsel, Studio 7.5, Yves Béhar, Doug Ball, and many talented others.

Today, in addition to our classic pieces and new designs for the home, Herman Miller is a recognized innovator in contemporary interior furnishings, solutions for healthcare environments, and related technologies and services. A publicly held company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, we have manufacturing facilities in the United States, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom and sales offices, dealers, licensees, and customers in over 100 countries.

We operate through several focused businesses, brands, and distribution channels, including Herman Miller, Herman Miller Healthcare, Nemschoff, Geiger International, and independently owned dealerships. All of them work to design and build a better world around you.

divider