If I may enlighten towards my thoughts , but not be the thoughts of other gearmakers .
HSGI consist of 2 shops . Each shop has approx. 12 to 15 employees each . We have a 5 day work week , 8 to 10 regularly , 12+ hours a day on at least 1/2 of it's staff .
I can say that we do suffer growing pains as HSGI gear grows popularity each and everyday . Demand over production is our worst enemy I must say . With the failure of issue gear , command has allowed many service personel go out and buy their own gear . In the past , they were restricted to use issue gear . Along with gamers , contractors , collectors , and armchair commandos , the request for more gear has taken it's toll on the manufacturer , raw good suppliers and everyone concerned .
Just before the end of the year , HSGI not only has added new items , but 3 new color patterns to the sewing tables . Not counting other countries patterns . Persay 5 new coor patterns X ( times ) each item it makes , either advertised or not advertised .
Then there is the factor of rising cost in materials . Most of all cordura's , buckles , and threads are petroleum based . Higher gas , higher raw goods to produce the gear . As new companies arises , they do not produce their own gear , but have other companies already in the industry OEM there gear . Making the stock level of existing gear less on the shelves .
I beleive that there is not one gearmaking company out there that is not doing there best to provide to the community . It's in my opinion , more users looking for something better than issue gear . There is more training going on now more than ever to provide better protection in this world . I have notice more training schools poping up everywhere as well as those schools wanting to sale gear as well . HSGI has at least 3 training facilities that it supplies to . Even the dealers have increased their orders as well . From what the small time dealers whom average about $2,000.00 orders every month or two , are now ordering that amount or more every week or so .
I honestly beleive it's the demand more so the production .
Gene