Two alternative plant layout designs are being proposed to produce a new product. The production will consist exclusively of labor-intensive assembly. The first alternative is a 300,000 sq.ft. Building (single story) and will use a one shift operation. The second alternative is a 100,000 sq.ft. Building (single story) and will use a three-shift operation. Under these assumptions, the production capacities of the two plants will theoretically be equal. Compare the two alternatives in terms of the following criteria:
A) Construction costs
B) Flexibility to adapt to the ups and downs in product demand
C) Labor availability
D) Work flow and material handling