MNO Ltd produces and sells for $25 an office machine for which there is a heavy demand which the company is prevented from meeting because of a shortage of skilled labour. The direct material and labour costs of the machine are $10 and $ respectively. The labour force is paid $1.25 per hour. All other costs may be regarded as fixed.
The companies European representative has been invited by one of his customer to supply, for $2000, a batch machine of modified design and which customer wishes to incorporate into his own product.
MNO’s estimator hac calculated that the to execute the order. 200 direct labour hours would be required and the cost of material would be $850 excluding the cost of special switches which could be bought in for $100 or, alternatively, made by the company for a material cost of $40 and labour time of 20 hours.
Advise the management of MNO Ltd. Whether to accept the European order. Your answer should be supported by relevant calculations and should include comments on any other matters which you consider should be taken into account.