Even a tiny broken part can stop the process, as perhaps a particular metal or particular alloy is needed. Without this a particular function won't occur, an electrical impulse will not occur, or an etching will not occur. If that alloy is missing, all the rest of the machinery becomes idle, and simply is not effective. And if it's not effective, what is the point of maintaining it. There is simply no flow of money.
Bridges are down.
The grid is down. The government is in chaos, and gone off to huddle and get drunk and discuss among themselves. Workers do not come out of loyalty, starving to death, to keep a corporate fat cat in business. They go off, attempting to find food for themselves. This is a common fact, and one reason that bringing immigrants into the US, educated and with a skill set, is considered a necessity.