What is the primary benefit of achieving economies of scale?

The primary benefit of achieving economies of scale is lower production costs. When a business increases its level of production, it can spread fixed costs over a larger number of units, thereby reducing the cost per unit. This occurs because as production volume increases, certain costs do not rise at the same rate, leading to efficiencies. For instance, bulk purchasing of materials often comes with significant discounts, and operational efficiencies can be realized through improved processes and optimized utilization of resources.

Lower production costs can significantly enhance a company's competitive advantage, enabling it to offer lower prices or achieve higher margins compared to smaller competitors. This reduction in costs is a fundamental principle in production and can lead to better profitability and the ability to invest further in the business, whether in research and development, marketing, or expanding capacity.

While some of the other choices, like expanded market share or increased employee productivity, can be indirectly linked to economies of scale, they are not the primary benefit. The core effect of economies of scale is fundamentally about cost efficiency in production.