Problem:

The manufacture of herbal health tonic is a competitive industry. The manufacturing facilities have an annual output of 100,000 gallons. Operating costs are $2 per gallon. A 100,000-gallon capacity plant costs $500,000 to build and has an indefinite life, with no salvage value. The cost of capital is 20% (assume no taxes). Your company has discovered a new process that lowers the operating cost per gallon to $1.00.

Required:

Assuming that the competition will catch up in five years and the market demand is sufficiently high, what is the net present value of building a new plant with new technology?

Note: Provide support for your rationale.