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he Catseye Marble Co is thinking of replacing a manual production process with a

ID: 2370745 • Letter: H

Question

he Catseye Marble Co is thinking of replacing a manual production process with a machine. The manual process requires three relatively unskilled workers and a supervisor. Each worker makes $17,500 a year and the supervisor earns $24,500. The new machine can be run with only one skilled operator who will earn $41,000. Payroll taxes and fringe benefits are an additional third of all wages and salaries. The machine costs $150,000 and has a tax depreciation life of five years. Catseye elects straight line depreciation for tax purposes. A service contract covers all maintenance for $5,000 a year. The machine is expected to last six years, at which time it will have no salvage value. The machines

Explanation / Answer

a.        Annual labor savings:

Old labor:       $17,500 X 3 + $24,500 =            $77,000

New labor:                                                      $41,000

Savings                                                          $36,000

Fringe Benefits @ 1/3                                      $12,000

Annual Labor Savings                                      $48,000

(you can add the fringes prior to taking the net on labor