Absolutely. Though it simply didn't occur to me at first.

The idea is that if you have a certain amount of generic stock on hand, and you can turn that into finished gear, you have the opportunity to trade with neighbors when urban and international trade becomes difficult. It's hard when you're trading "tractor wheel bracket #09823" since the demand is sporadic and equipment-specific. It becomes much easier when you're trading a piece of forged steel plate so you can MAKE one. Or making it to order for a nearby village.

Win win. It hadn't occured to me as I put this together, but it's a definite and major advantage.