1. A manufacturing company is considering purchasing a new machine that doubles capacity from 500 to 1,000 units per week. The machine will occupy approximately 500 square feet of vacant (unused) space on the factory floor. Which of the following costs are irrelevant in the decision to purchase this machine?

a. The additional cost of utilities necessary to run the machine

b. Monthly rental expense associated with the 10,000-square-foot factory

c. Additional machinists who will need to be hired to run the machine

d. Maintenance costs for regular repair and cleaning of the machine