NAREL Group Joins Forces with BRANU to Combat Labor Shortages in Construction
In a significant development for the construction industry, NAREL Group, headquartered in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward, has entered into a partnership with BRANU, a company specializing in digital transformation solutions for construction. This collaboration, established to alleviate labor shortages and improve productivity within the sector, is set to commence services on July 1, 2026.
The Context of the Partnership
Japan's construction industry is currently grappling with profound challenges, particularly related to the impending “2024 Problem,” which introduces restrictions on working hours. Compounded by a rapidly aging workforce and a decline in the recruitment of young talents, the sector is facing a structural labor shortage. To confront these issues head-on, leveraging technology to achieve operational efficiency alongside a sustainable workforce supply is essential. However, many small to medium-sized construction companies often lack the resources and time necessary to adopt digital transformation and cultivate skilled labor.
Within this environment, NAREL Group has been proactive in supporting numerous construction sites by providing staffing and recruitment services focused on skilled workers and those with advanced operational management skills. Through its subsidiary, CONTRAFT, and the Japan Construction Human Resources Association (ZENKEN), the group aims to address the critical shortage of craftsmen, who are essential to the on-site operations, through its direct recruiting service,