Andrew-Cater, Inc. (A-C), is a major Canadian producer and distributor of outdoor lighting fixtures. Its products are distributed through North America and have been in high demand for several years. The company operates three plants to manufacture fixtures and distribute them to five distribution centers (warehouses). During the present global slowdown, A-C has seen a major drop in demand for its fixture as the housing market has declined. Based on the forecast of interest rates, the head of operations feels that demand for housing and thus for it’s products will remain depressed for the foreseeable future. A-C is considering closing one of its plants, as it is now operating with a forecast excess capacity of 34,000 units per week. The forecast weekly demands for the coming year are as follows: Warehouse 1 9,000 units Warehouse 2 13,000 Warehouse 3 11,000 Warehouse 4 15,000 Warehouse 5 8,000 Plant capacities, in units per week, are as follows: Plant 1, regular time 27,000 Plant 1, on overtime 7,000 Plant 2, regular time 20,000 Plant 2, on overtime 5,000 Plant 3, regular time 25,000 Plant 3, on overtime 6,000 If A-C shuts down any plats, its weekly costs will change, as fixed costs will be lower for a nonoperating plant. Table 1 shows production costs at each plant, both variable at regular time and overtime, and fixed when operating and shut down. Table 2 shows distribution costs from each plant to each warehouse (distribution center). Table 1: Viable Costs and Fixed Production Costs per week Fixed Cost Per Week Plant Variable Cost Operate Not Operate 1, regular time $2.80 $14,000 $6,000 1, overtime 3.52 2, regular time 2.78 12,000 5,000 2, overtime 3.48 3, regular time 2.72 15,000 7,500 3, overtime 3.42 Table 2: Distribution Costs per Unit To Distribution Centers From Plant W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 1 $.50 $.44 $.49 $0.46 $0.56 2 0.40 0.52 0.50 0.56 0.57 3 0.56 0.53 0.51 0.54 0.35 Discussion Questions •Evaluate the various configurations of operating and closed plants that will meet weekly demand. Determine which configuration minimizes total costs.(Must be in Excel) •Discuss the implication of closing a plant.