It is always a crisis. The deadlines imposed by sales guarantee that the product will either be late or not finished when delivered. This as led to a culture of chronic shortcuts which make a mockery of the official quality policy.
Sales are highly dependent on military procurement, which is uncertain and has long cycles. The current management has not grasped that even after six years.
Ampex's legacy as a large Silicon Valley manufacturer has stuck the company with a large pension debt that prevents proper investment in ongoing operations. Promotions, raises, and training are non-existent. Even retention of necessary personal is neglected.