Rotavation or rotary tilling describe the soil cultivating technique invented by A.C.Howard - implements manufactured by Howard Malaysia, primarily for paddy soil preparation.

In 1922, Australian agricultural engineer A.C. HOWARD invented a mechanical rotary hoe, and named it: "ROTAVATOR"i.e. HOWARDs ingenuous trade name, which is claimed to be one of the longest words that spells the same, backwards as forwards (palindrome).

As rotavators gained world-wide popularity for seedbed preparation, headquarters were shifted to England and production facilities were established also in other European countries. In 1985 the HOWARD Group was acquired by the Danish Thrige Agro Group (now HOWARD A/S), by which time there were also HOWARD associate companies in South Africa, Brazil, Malaysia and USA. In December 2000 the HOWARD Group became a member of Kongskilde Industries, Soroe, Denmark.

HOWARD Malaysia was established in 1962 as a trading company by a retired planter, who wanted to introduce rotavation to Southeast Asian farmers. In 1976 it was converted to a manufacturing company, in joint venture ownership between the HOWARD Group and Malaysian National Farmers Association (NAFAS). During this period, HOWARD played its role in assisting local farmers convert from manual to mechanical soil cultivation. Malaysian paddy farmers have today practically fully mechanized their field work, and are in this respect considered pioneers in Southeast Asia.

Over the years, HOWARD Malaysia has diversified its product range to cater also for palm oil plantations, turf-care and road maintenance, besides its traditional soil preparation implements for paddy farmers.

The factory is located in Rawang, 35km North of Malaysia's capital: Kuala Lumpur. Its machines are distributed by over 200 dealers throughout Southeast Asia.