UT Group Co. Ltd. (2146:TYO), the ninth-largest staffing firm in Japan, announced last week that it acquired 20% of the outstanding shares of J-CEP Co. Ltd. in a move to bolster its engineering staffing business. UT Group noted demand for engineers in Japan’s manufacturing sector has increased and demand for engineers in UT Group’s construction business has been steady.

J-CEP is owner of Aki-Japan, a nationwide provider of engineering staffing since 2007. It provides personnel in construction and civil engineering.

Aki-Japan “has always thoroughly implemented operations that emphasize ‘quality,’ and has developed highly skilled engineers through an extensive training curriculum,” according to UT Group. “Moreover, providing solid technical capabilities that meet customer needs has become its competitive advantage.”

In addition, J-CEP owns Act-Japan Co. Ltd., a provider of construction education and training as well as recruiting consulting.