depending on the tooling costs, yes I assume he is. CNC has always had a gucci, factory, high end reputation precisely because it was traditionally used in low volume (eg. factory/prototype) manufacture where tooling costs were prohibitive.
edit: the cost would only be for a jig if they were buying in predetermined and formed tubing.
I really like the look of the Empire but the interrupted seat tower and small seatpost size look like it was designed years ago and only just got made. Surely building a new seat tower with a larger dropper-compatible diameter would be a doddle?
edit edit: just got dirt link to work and seen price. Erk, good luck with that.