Answer:
C. manufacturer
Step-by-step explanation:
A manufacturer refers to an individual or business firm that is saddled with the responsibility of transforming (converting) raw materials into finished products that meets the unending requirements or needs of the consumers (end users). Also, a manufacturer is generally referred to as a producer because they undertake the role of creating finished goods that are used for specific purposes in different areas of life.
Hence, the word that is most appropriate or best fills the gap in the given sentence is a "manufacturer."
Filling up the blank space in the question, we have; The manufacturer of computers took the lead in the industry when it built a machine with improved storage for a lower price.
On the other hand, distributors are saddled with the responsibility of getting the finished goods produced by the manufacturers to the wholesaler or retailer. A retailer refers to an individual who buys directly from the wholesaler in relatively large quantity and sells to the consumers.