EEngr, #1512:
Back in the old days, Boeing used to build furniture just to keep their
skilled carpenters busy during downturns. And hydrofoils, windmills, paving
equipment, software, etc., etc. Not because they thought they could do a
better job than the incumbents, but to keep some income coming in to help
cover their pay.
Not forgetting, the need to keep critical *group* skillsets alive and within
the company, which can take years to build up. Perhaps a little
altruism as well, in terms of keeping the workforce in wages. Some companies
were and still are much more clued up in that respect...