Florida Beach Company manufactures sunscreen, called NoTan, in 11-ounce plastic bottles. NoTan is sold in a competitive market. As a result, management is very cost-conscious. NoTan is manufactured through two processes: mixing and filling. Materials are added at the beginning of each process, and labor and manufacturing overhead occur uniformly throughout each process. Unit costs are based on the cost per gallon of NoTan using the weighted-average method.

On June 30, 2022, Mary Ritzman, the chief accountant for the past 20 years, opted to take early retirement. Her replacement, Joe Benili, had extensive accounting experience with motels in the area but only limited contact with manufacturing accounting. During July, Joe correctly accumulated the following production quantity and cost data for the Mixing Department.

Production quantities: Work in process, July 1, 8,000 gallons 75% complete as to conversion costs; started into production 100,000 gallons; work in process, July 31, 5,000 gallons 20% complete. All materials are added at the beginning of the process.

Production quantities: Work in process, July 1, 8,000 gallons 75% complete as to conversion costs; started into production 100,000 gallons; work in process, July 31, 5,000 gallons 20% complete. All materials are added at the beginning of the process. 

Production costs: Beginning work in process $88,000, comprised of $21,000 of materials costs and $67,000 of conversion costs; incurred in July: materials $573,000, conversion costs $765,000.

Joe then prepared a production cost report on the basis of physical units started into production. His report showed a unit manufacturing cost of $14.26 per gallon of NoTan. The management of Florida Beach was surprised at the high unit cost. The president comes to you, as Mary’s top assistant, to review Joe’s report and prepare a correct report if necessary.

Instructions

With the class divided into groups, answer the following questions.

a. Show how Joe arrived at the unit manufacturing cost of $14.26 per gallon of NoTan.

b. What error(s) did Joe make in preparing his production cost report?

c. Prepare a correct production cost report for July.