Client
A global leader in the semiconductor industry, with expertise spanning lithography, wafer inspection, and chip packaging.
Challenge
The client was struggling with critical operational bottlenecks that prevented them from fully recovering eligible refunds:
- Granular Data Gaps: Their prior drawback provider could not generate export reports at the detailed part-number level, severely limiting claims.
- Inventory Flow Tracking Issues: Difficulty monitoring the movement of components and materials across global operations reduced accuracy and efficiency.
- Data Capture Limitations: Disconnected systems made it difficult to consolidate and streamline data for compliance and refund optimization.
These challenges directly impacted the company’s ability to recover eligible refunds, leading to missed revenue opportunities and weakened cash flow.
Solution
The client partnered with J.M. Rodgers to implement a high-impact, customized drawback program designed for semiconductor manufacturing complexity.
- Specialized Account Team: JMR deployed a dedicated team led by a licensed customs broker and a data analyst, bringing expertise in manufacturing drawback, bill of materials mapping, and component-level tracking.
- Advanced Data Integration: Sophisticated data feeds captured, normalized, and mapped part-level information across the client’s global operations.
- Process Optimization: Structured workflows were introduced for export reporting, component tracking, and data validation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in submissions.
Results and Benefits
Dramatic Increase in Refund Claims:
- Identified and secured millions in refunds that had previously gone unclaimed.
Future Projections:
- Positioned to claim $6–$7 million annually in duty drawback refunds.
Operational Improvements:
- Enhanced data accuracy and reporting at the part-number level.
- Streamlined workflows reduced administrative burdens and compliance risks.
Key Takeaways
- Advanced data integration is critical in industries with complex part-level tracking, such as semiconductors.
- A specialized, experienced account team ensures compliance and maximizes refund opportunities.
- Customized workflows not only improve refund recovery but also enhance overall operational efficiency.
