Final answer:
Option (c), A plant that manufactures plastic 2-liter bottles would likely implement a product layout suitable for the mass production of standardized items.
Step-by-step explanation:
A plant where plastic 2-liter bottles are manufactured most likely uses a product layout. This type of layout is designed for mass production of standardized goods and typically features an assembly line where products move from one station to the next, each station adding a specific part or completing a specific task in the manufacturing process. In the case of bottle manufacturing, machinery is arranged to optimize the sequence of operations such as injection molding, conditioning, labeling, and filling.
The product layout enables a mechanized work environment focused on producing identical products efficiently. Considering the bulk gaining nature of bottled products, where it is more economical to transport ingredients like concentrated syrup rather than the final, heavier product, locating bottling facilities closer to the point of consumption is more cost-effective.
This is demonstrated by companies like Coca-Cola, which produce the syrup in a centralized location and then distribute it to various bottling plants where the final product is assembled using widely available ingredients such as local water, sweeteners, and carbonation.