original equipment manufacturer

noun
1.
a firm that purchases complex equipment, as computers, from manufacturers and modifies or combines different components for resale.
2.
a firm that manufactures components or parts included in the finished product made by another.
Abbreviation: OEM.
original equipment manufacturer in Technology

company
(OEM) A misleading term for a company which repackages equipment, such as computers, made by other companies. Unlike a value added reseller, an OEM does not necessarily add anything except their name to the product. In some cases though they may integrate components into complete systems. OEM arrangements are often made for marketing reasons.
[Origin?]
(2001-04-09)