That's really interesting. I'm guessing they're doing it to save money. The idea of premature optimization comes to mind, but this is one area where the investment really does need to be made, and will be worth it in the long run - once it's set up it's unlikely to be changed for decades (!!).

I'm wondering if it's something nonfinancial, but I (honestly) can't figure out what it could be.

It's definitely financial. The usual short-sightedness of CEOs who want to maximize the next quarterly result at the expense of long-term planning.

Same reason why all types of infrastructure are crumbling in all of the Western world.