The Client |
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The client is a leading semiconductor equipment solutions provider headquartered in Singapore, with overseas operations including a joint venture in Japan. Established as a trusted player in the industry, the company generates SG$18.5 million in annual revenue and employs nearly 50 staff members, predominantly Singaporean citizens and PRs.
The company specializes in repair, refurbishment, and manufacturing of semiconductor machinery and components, with a particular focus on advanced CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) tools. They are recognized by industry giants such as Global Foundries, Micron, HP, UMC, Sony, and Infineon as a key service provider in the semiconductor sector.
Awarded the SME of the Year in 2021, the company operates across Singapore, China, Japan, Malaysia, and the USA, demonstrating its expanding presence in the semiconductor industry.
The company specializes in repair, refurbishment, and manufacturing of semiconductor machinery and components, with a particular focus on advanced CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) tools. They are recognized by industry giants such as Global Foundries, Micron, HP, UMC, Sony, and Infineon as a key service provider in the semiconductor sector.
Awarded the SME of the Year in 2021, the company operates across Singapore, China, Japan, Malaysia, and the USA, demonstrating its expanding presence in the semiconductor industry.
How RIC Helped |
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Grant Secured:
RIC assisted the client in securing the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) under the Innovation & Productivity pillar. The grant of SG$230,000 covered up to 70% of qualifying project costs, enabling the client to adopt advanced automation solutions to improve service capabilities and expand operations.
Scope of RIC’s Consulting and Advisory Services:
RIC scoped and prepared the full project proposal, incorporating:
RIC assisted the client in securing the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) under the Innovation & Productivity pillar. The grant of SG$230,000 covered up to 70% of qualifying project costs, enabling the client to adopt advanced automation solutions to improve service capabilities and expand operations.
Scope of RIC’s Consulting and Advisory Services:
RIC scoped and prepared the full project proposal, incorporating:
- Project Scoping and Objective Definition: RIC worked with the client to define the technical and operational objectives of four key project streams, focusing on automation, cleanroom services, and refurbishment processes.
- Grant Proposal Preparation: RIC prepared a comprehensive grant proposal, analyzing operational bottlenecks, technical requirements, financial projections, ROI, and implementation timelines to ensure the client’s vision was clearly articulated for grant approval.
- Solution Provider Selection: We advised the client on solution provider selection for high-tech automation tools, optimizing the budget allocation across the various service enhancements and ensuring that technical capabilities aligned with business needs.
- Technical and Operational Documentation: The project involved complex technical domains, including CMP head automation, cleanroom ultrasonic cleaning, semiconductor electronics repair, and chiller refurbishment. We documented detailed workflows, lifetime cost savings, and strategies to improve error reduction via digital tracking and advanced analytics for equipment maintenance.
Outcomes |
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- Service Expansion and Enhancement:
- Automated CMP head refurbishment: The new automation system reduced lead time by 50%, while doubling the monthly output to meet growing demand.
- Ultrasonic cleaning service: The cleanroom-based ultrasonic cleaning service resulted in a 30% reduction in turnaround time and a 20% reduction in client machine downtime, improving service speed and reliability.
- In-house semiconductor electronics repair: The new in-house repair service eliminated 100% of outsourcing costs, reducing repair lead time from 3 weeks to 1 week, thus increasing operational capacity.
- Chiller repair/refurbishment service: The enhanced service expanded from 10 to 40 model types, and monthly revenues doubled to SG$100-140K, increasing profitability.
- Job Creation: The project created 12 new local jobs, including specialized roles in engineering, cleanroom operations, and business development, contributing to local employment and skill development.
- Revenue and Profit Growth: The client projected SG$10 million in additional revenue over three years, with incremental net profits exceeding SG$1.8 million by Year 3 post-implementation, demonstrating the financial success of the automation and service expansion project.
Throughout this journey, RIC worked hand-in-hand with the client, ensuring the project was not only fundable but also executable and aligned with long-term business goals. Our ability to understand both the science and the strategic roadmap of the client’s innovation was instrumental in delivering success.
This case exemplifies how RIC enables high-potential industrial innovators to bridge the gap between operational efficiency and technological advancement. Our end-to-end consulting, grant expertise, and technical fluency make us the ideal partner for firms looking to turn automation investments into scalable, globally competitive solutions.