I really like the idea of mass producing items however I would throw my own twist on it. Rather then being straight upgrades maybe change it to be manufacturing in batches.
So when you build one Lazer rifle in vanilla game, you would build 5. But have each weapon type builds set amounts, for example the LMGs you possibly make 3 or so, the carbines 4, pistols 7 etc.
Possibly to compensate getting many weapons for less material, decrease the sale value and up the build times.
Another thought it would mean there is a lagg between multiple teams getting weapons, soo you could different levels of tech your xenonuats squads. I guess you could do something similar with amour but that a could get messy
