Cast Iron Stove Company Wants to Buy a Molding Machine

question 67

Essay

Cast Iron Stove Company wants to buy a molding machine that can be integrated into its computerized manufacturing process. It has received three bids for the machine and related manufacturer's specifications. The bids range from $3,500,000 to $3,550,000. The estimated annual savings of the machines range from $260,000 to $270,000. The payback periods are almost identical and the net present values are all within $8,000 of each other. The president just doesn't know what to do about which vendor to choose since all of the selection criteria are so close together.
Required:
What suggestions do you have for the president?

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Definitions:

Intangible Attributes

Attributes of a product or service that are intangible and unquantifiable, including elements like brand prestige or the level of customer service.

Durable Goods

Durable goods are items with a long life expectancy, such as appliances, cars, or furniture, that are used over time rather than being quickly consumed or disposed of.

Nondurable Goods

Items that are consumed or wear out quickly and have a short lifespan, such as food, beverages, and paper products.

Specialty Products

Items that the consumer makes a special effort to search out and buy.