Guide to what is OEM and its meaning. Here we explain significance, examples of original equipment manufacturer along with its differences. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company that produces parts and equipment that may be marketed by another company. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, a company that designs and produces parts or products for other brands. Learn how OEMs differ from aftermarket and contract manufacturers, and see examples of OEMs in various industries. At its core, an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) refers to a company that produces parts, components, or complete products that are used in the final assembly of a larger system. OEM products are typically branded and sold by another company, often referred to as the value-added reseller (VAR).