OEM

OEM is a term that is thrown around without regard to what it really refers to. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and describes a business relationship under which a supplier (the OEM) builds customized versions of its products for sale under another company's brand. There is a confusion between OEM and "private label," however. Private labeling refers to the reselling of a product under another company's brand with little-to-no physical customization besides a nameplate change. The best known private label and OEM relationship is that of the suppliers to Sears. Some of these suppliers made products exclusively for Sears (a true OEM) while others merely swap a nameplate.

A terrific list of suppliers to Sears is found here.