Make-or-buy decision

Matchless Computer Company has been purchasing carrying cases for its portable computers at a delivered cost of $55 per unit. The company, which is currently operating below full capacity, charges factory overhead to production at the rate of 40% of direct labor cost. The fully absorbed unit costs to produce comparable carrying cases are expected to be as follows:

Direct Materials	$28.00
Direct labor	20.00
Factory overhead (40% of direct labor)	8.00
Total cost per unit	$56.00

If Matchless Computer Company manufactures the carrying cases, fixed factory overhead costs will not increase and variable factory overhead costs associated with the cases are expected t6o be 15% of the direct labor costs.

Prepare a differential analysis, dated October 11, 2012, to determine whether the company should make (Alternative 1) or buy (Alternative 2) the carrying case.

On the basis of the data presented, would it be advisable to make the carrying cases or to continue buying them? Explain.