Columbus Corp. has two different ways of producing its product, one which is better at high volume and the other which is better at low volume. Method alpha is a fast but wasteful process which requires $8 of materials and 8 minutes of both labor and machinery per unit produced. Method alpha requires $109157 in fixed cost to set up. Method beta is a slow but efficient process which requires $12 of materials and 20 minutes of both labor and machinery per unit produced. Method beta is easier to setup, with only $79079 in fixed cost. There are additional fixed costs of $274333 incurred regardless of which method is selected. Columbus sells its products for $56 apiece. The company pays $29 per hour in wages and incurs maintenance and depreciation costs of $10 per hour of machine usage.

What is the break even volume at which methods alpha and beta are equally attractive? (whole number}

Which method is better at volumes above the break even point you calculated? Provide a brief intuitive explanation.