Definition, synonyms and related words
A company that produces parts to be sold under another company's brand.
"The local OEM coordinated resources to help residents after the severe storm hit the coast."
Initialism of Office of Emergency Management.
In plain English: An OEM is an original manufacturer that makes parts for other companies to sell under their own brand name.
"The car dealership ordered five new tires from an OEM manufacturer to ensure they matched the original quality."
describing goods sold by or to an OEM
"The manufacturer decided to sell its components directly to an original equipment manufacturer rather than through retail channels."
In plain English: OEM means something was made by the original company that designed it, not copied by another manufacturer.
"The factory installed several OEM parts to replace the broken ones on the car."
OEM is an initialism derived from the phrase original equipment manufacturer. The term entered English business and technology jargon to describe companies that produce parts or systems designed specifically for another company's final product.