"For instance, if a company makes metal boxes, someone who worked in tooling, fabrication, or engineering would be a better MBA candidate than someone who has a business degree and no real experience making metal boxes. They are not going to understand the 'why' behind various decisions that impact production."
Bullshit. I'm guessing you've never made metal boxes. I have. All you need is a designer (not even necessarily with a 4 year degree) and a logistics person with a high school diploma.