New Idea was birthed in 1899 when Joseph Oppenheim created the first mechanical manure spreader in Maria Stein, Ohio, USA. He died shortly after the first few were built, and B.C. Oppenheim and his son-in-law, Henry Synck took over the leadership of the company. It was first known as Oppenheim's New Idea, and in 1904 changed its name to New Idea Spreader Company In 1912, all operations were moved to Coldwater, OH. The company was sold in 1945 to AVCO The New Idea brand was dropped by AGCO around 2007.