My preference is for FBR to team up with a mass production partner like CAT, Volvo, Hitachi etc who will produce the base unit, with the IP critical components produced and shipped by FBR from here in Australia.
That being said, we need to remember that FBR is a Founder ASX company, further strengthened by the issuance of performance shares, and they are looking at this from a family equity point of view, that is create long term equity within the family ASX listed company they essentially control.
I think they will forgoe the opportunity with CAT in favour of controlled OEM production or local production with the aim of protecting the company's IP from copy cats. Either way, FBR seem to be a long way away from mass prduction. Patience is required in my view, it will happen, maybe just slower than some are anticipating.
