Making the Insignificant...Significant since 1983
Our Founder & Early Years
In 1976, Jim Wiedmann relocated his family from North Dakota to Arizona to serve as a District Manager for Steiger Tractor. While traveling across the West, Southwest, and Hawaii, he built strong relationships in the farm equipment industry. Recognizing a need for improved sun protection on tractors, Jim developed a lightweight fiberglass canopy that could be attached to a tractor's roll bar. In 1983, he began assembling and selling these sunshades from his garage. As demand from dealers grew, Jim and his wife Pam named their new venture "Firebird," inspired by the mythical Phoenix after which their hometown is named. They envisioned the company rising from its humble beginnings to become strong and vibrant. By 1989, Firebird Fiberglass Products, Inc. was incorporated, becoming the first aftermarket canopy company to offer reinforced fiberglass construction with custom color options and secure mounts.
In 1997, a devastating fire destroyed the manufacturing plant, prompting the company to relocate to a larger facility in Glendale, AZ. True to its name, "Firebird" rose from the ashes, becoming more successful than ever. By its 25th anniversary in 2009, Firebird Fiberglass Products, Inc. had become one of the leading manufacturers of tractor canopies in the U.S., and the only fiberglass canopy manufacturer with full North American distribution. The company supplied many of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers, including:
Kubota, New Holland, CaseIH and more.
Why the Name Changed from "Firebird" to "Thunderbird"
The “Firebird” brand was meticulously built by Jim Wiedmann over 25 years. However, following the economic collapse in 2008, the business was sold in 2011. Just two years later, in 2013, Jim and Pam relaunched the company under the new name, "Thunderbird," with renewed vigor to protect their former distribution network and a passion for the business. Driven by a commitment to serving both old and new customers, they continued the legacy of quality and service that had defined their work for decades.
Growth & Expansion to the South East
Following the sudden passing of our founder, Jim Wiedmann, in 2019, his son Matt Wiedmann, who had been with the company for 25 years, took over ownership and operations. We continue to run our business from our original location in Phoenix, AZ, and in 2021, we expanded with additional manufacturing and fulfillment operations in Atlanta to better serve the Southeast market. Building on the legacy of our canopy business, Matt has also launched Wiedmann Bros Distributing Company, a new division offering a wide range of accessories from leading brands for tractors, utility vehicles, turf, and construction equipment. Under Matt's leadership, we remain committed to the values and passion that have driven our success for decades.
Dad - I am forever grateful for your passion to lead & provide for your family, and for teaching me to treat your employees, customers & vendors in the same way that you wanted to be treated. Love you - Matt
