I used to work in that industry. Sears had no manufacturing, so they contracted it out. I believe the design was their own, but I'm not positive. Whirlpool was

I used to work in that industry. Sears had no manufacturing, so they contracted it out. I believe the design was their own, but I'm not positive. Whirlpool was commonly the manufacturer, though it varies by year. Other manufacturers could offer a lower price (attractive for Sears) but had other issues, so the contract commonly went back to Whirlpool.