Note that you are not asked for the total costs if the firm makes and the total costs if the firm buys, but instead for the difference between these two total cost numbers. Make sure that you read the question carefully so that you can attach the correct sign (+ or -) to your numerical answer. ______________________________________________________

Oxford Engineering manufactures small engines. The engines are sold to manufacturers who install them in such products as lawn mowers. The company currently manufactures all the parts used in these engines, but it is considering a proposal from Tidnish Electronics, a reliable supplier, to supply starter assembly units for $6.55 each.

The starter assembly is currently manufactured in Division 3 of Oxford Engineering. Last year, Division 3 manufactured 156,000 starter assemblies, but over the next several years, it is expected that 179,000 assemblies will be needed each year. Total costs related to the starter assembly for last year were as follows:

Direct material	$312,000
Direct labor	$283,920
Total overhead	$624,000
Total	$1,219,920

Further analysis of overhead revealed the following information:

• $280,800 of total overhead was variable.
• $110,000 of the fixed overhead were allocated costs that will continue even if the production of the starter assembly is discontinued.

Also, if the company buys the assembly from Tidnish, the vacated plant space could be used for storage and, in so doing, avoid $36,000 of outside storage charges currently incurred.

REQUIRED

By how much will Oxford Engineering's total profits change if they decide to buy the starter assembly from Tidnish Electronics instead of making it themselves? [Note: if the buy costs are less than the make costs, enter the difference as a positive number; if the buy costs are more than the make costs, enter the difference as a negative number.]