Curtis Corporation is beginning to manufacture Mighty Mint, a new mouthwash in a spray container. The product will be sold to wholesalers and large drugstore chains in packages of 30 containers for $20 per package. Management allocates $225,000 of fixed manufacturing overhead costs to Mighty Mint. The manufacturing cost per package of 30 containers for expected production of 100,000 packages is as follows:
Direct Material $7.50
Direct Labor $4.00
Overhead (fixed and variable) $3.50
Total $15.00
The company has contacted a number of package suppliers to determine whether it is better to buy or manufacture the spray containers. The lowest quote for the containers is $1.85 per 30 units. It is estimated that purchasing the containers from a supplier will save 10 percent of direct materials, 20 percent of direct labor, and 15 percent of variable overhead. Curtis's manufacturing space is highly constrained. By purchasing the spray containers, the company will not have to lease additional manufacturing space, which is estimated to cost $17,000 per year. If the containers are purchased, one supervisory position can be eliminated. Salary plus benefits for this position are $72,000 per year.
REQUIRED
Should Curtis make or buy the containers? What is the incremental cost (benefit) of buying the containers as opposed to making them?