A company has a factory that is designed so that it is most efficient (average unit cost is minimized) when producing 19,200 units of output each month. However, it has an absolute maximum output capability of 23,000 units per month, and can produce as little as 7,000 units per month without corporate headquarters shifting production to another plant. If the factory produces 13,280 units in October, what is the capacity utilization rate in October for this factory?

69.17%

Explanation:

The capacity utilization rate measures how much actual output is being produced compared to the maximum output capability of the factory or machine, or in this case, the most efficient output.

It is calculated by dividing current output by maximum possible output = 13,280 units / 19,200 units = 0.6917 x 100 = 69.17%. It is generally shown as a percentage.

In this case, we are not using the total potential output (23,000 units) because the most efficient level is lower (19,200 units) and should generate higher profits.

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