http://www.guitarplayer.com/amplifie...e-assets/64068
News like this is not surprising when you think that so much of today's music is not from real instruments but from a sample in a DAW.
It's probably more about trying to compete with low cost US built amps against big-name brands building a lot of the non-boutique amps in China or much lower labour rate countries. A quick look shows a 2x12" amp (otherwise a 1x12" Fender Hot-Rod Deluxe equivalent) selling for a very similar price to a Mexican-made Hot-Rod Deluxe. They had also just relocated to a new showroom and factory in July 2017, which must have put a strain on their finances (and a gap in their product manufacturing). And they also made a lot of PA systems - speakers and amps - again all US made and competing against Chinese made equivalents from competitors.
It might have been fine 20 years ago, but not moving with the times isn't clever.