This was all done in one long, never$-$changing assembly line. After all, that was what was available when Michael bought the plant. As Hennessey's reputation grew, customers wanted a larger variety of furniture pieces, not just coffee tables. Michael's workers were capable of making the various pieces. However, only some stations on the assembly line were needed for each type of furniture. A lot of time was being wasted, delivery times were getting longer, costs were high, and customers were not as happy. Michael hired a consultant to determine the problem and suggest a solution. The consultant was quickly able to demonstrate to Michael that his problems arose from an inefficient facility layout and suggested another style of layout that would reduce costs, speed production, and increase both worker and customer satisfaction.

A$)$ The flexibility offered by a $\_\_\_\_\_\_$ layout may reduce efficiency because it is expensive.

product fixed$-$position process

B$)$ Hennessey's is currently using a $\_\_\_\_\_\_$ layout and has asked an outside source to evaluate the effectiveness of this design.

Product fixed$-$position process

C$)$ Hennessey$$s firm makes large entertainment centers that hold big screen televisions, multi$-$unit sound systems, and gaming systems in one complex and elegant piece of furniture. The best facility layout for making these centers is

process. fixed$-$position. product.