In: Accounting
3. The fixed and variable costs for 3 potential plant sites for a ski equipment manufacturer are shown below.
Site Fixed Cost Per Year Variable Cost Per Unit
Atlanta $250 $7
Burlington $500 $6
Cleveland $1000 $5
(a) Graph the total cost lines for the three potential sites. (use x=0 and x=300 to draw the graph) (Note that you must show 2 intersection points on the graph). (3 points)
(b) Over what range of annual volume is each location the preferable one? (You must derive how to find the intersection points mathematically). (3 points)
(c) If expected volume is 400 units, which location would you recommend? (2 points)
SOLUTION:
(a) Graph the total cost lines for the three potential sites.
(b) Over what range of annual volume is each location the preferable one?
Let x be the point where total cost at atlanta and Burlington will be same
Therefore,
7x+250 = 6x+500
7x-6x = 500-250
X = 250 units.
Therefore from 0 to 250 units is the annual range of production at Atlanta
Let y be the units where total cost at Burlington and Cleveland will be same
Therefore,
6y+500= 5y+1000
6y-5y = 1000 - 500
y = 500 units
Thus, 251 to 500 units is the annual range of production at Burlington plant
And 501 or more is The annual range of production at Cleveland plant
Therefore, following is the range of production at respective plants :-
Plant site | range of production |
Atlanta | 0 to 250 units |
Burlington | 251 to 500 units |
Cleveland | 501 or more units |
(c) If expected volume is 400 units, which location would you recommend?
If expected volume is 400 units then it falls under the range of 251 to 500 belonging to Burlington plant.
Thus, if expected volume is 400 units then it should be produced at Burlington plant