The process isn't the same but the mentality is. The original discussion was whether there was any difference in quality from OEM filters to aftermarket filters. There are 2 points; 1- there is a difference in quality and 2 is that there is an assumption that going through the OEM is more expensive. That is Home Depot, Loewes and E Bay mentality in my mind. By the way we use OEM filters on our line of trucks and aftermarket on everything else as well. SMH sells Baldwin filters and Intrupa sells Mann, but if they starting selling some off brand, no name filter we would buy somewhere else.