Clark Paints: The production department has been investigating possible ways to trim total production costs. One possibility currently being examined is to make the paint cans instead of purchasing them. The equipment needed would cost $200,000 with a disposal value of $40,000 and would be able to produce 5,500,000 cans over the life of the machinery. The production department estimates that approximately 1,100,000 cans would be needed for each of the next five years.

The company would hire three new employees. These three individuals would be full-time employees working 2,000 hours per year and earning $12.00 per hour. They would also receive the same benefits as other production employees, 18% of wages in addition to $2,500 of health benefits.

It is estimated that the raw materials will cost 25¢ per can and that other variable costs would be 5¢ per can. Since there is currently unused space in the factory, no additional fixed costs would be incurred if this proposal is accepted.

It is expected that cans would cost 45¢ per can if purchased from the current supplier. The company's minimum rate of return (hurdle rate) has been determined to be 12% for all new projects, and the current tax rate of 35% is anticipated to remain unchanged. The pricing for a gallon of paint as well as number of units sold will not be affected by this decision. The unit-of-production depreciation method would be used if the new equipment is purchased.